Sony Music Entertainment Middle East has announced the signing of talented songwriter and fierce Urban Pop songstress Manal and will exclusively represent and promote the artist over a multi-year recording contract.

 Hailing from Marrakech, Morocco, Manal is a 24-year-old hybrid of the urban Arabic music space and the protégé of Cilvaringz, producer and member of the American rap legends Wu-Tang Clan. Using art and music as modes of authentic self-expression, Manal is set to be one of the artists to look out for in 2018.

The signing was driven by the label’s management and booking team in Beirut – set up in early 2017 to extend label operations from the head office in Dubai – and represents a further step forward in developing the careers of talent across the Mena Region.

Mike Fairburn, general manager of Sony Music Entertainment Middle East said: ‘We are delighted Manal has joined the Sony Music family where the artistic expression and creativity of our artists remains our number one priority. She is the real deal, with a clear vision and great team around her. Look out. Our Moroccan ‘Wild Heart’ is coming soon.”

“We made a decision to expand our team to Beirut last year, to make sure our artists could draw on and benefit from specialist music executives in all areas. This has been a great success and the team’s continued dedication and relentless commitment to young talent in the region has now brought Manal to the Sony Music family,” he added.

With her debut single planned for release early 2018 and follow up material already recorded and shot, it plans to be a great year for the young talent.

Manal said: “I definitely feel at home with Sony Music. They have shown much care for the direction of my music and career. There’s nothing more comforting for an artist to know that his or her team, from the label to management, producers and songwriters, got their back.”

Manal debut music video is scheduled for release in February.  – TradeArabia News Service