In a recent announcement, it was revealed that Shakira, the talented Colombian singer, has made a business move by selling the rights to a whopping 145 of her songs. Taking a cue from other artists, she has decided to relinquish full control of her entire back catalog, entrusting it to the Hipgnosis Songs Fund. This news comes shortly after the fund made headlines for acquiring Neil Young’s impressive collection of 1,180 songs. Led by Merck Mercuriadis, a former manager for music icons like Sir Elton John and Pet Shop Boys, the fund has been on a roll with a series of high-profile acquisitions.
Exciting Update: Shakira has recently achieved a significant milestone by selling the rights to her entire collection of 145 songs. Following the footsteps of many successful musicians, she has struck gold with this deal. The rights to her music have been acquired by Hipgnosis Songs, although specific financial details have not been revealed. This impressive acquisition includes some of Shakira’s biggest hits, such as “Whenever, Wherever,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” and the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup song, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Expressing her excitement about this remarkable deal, Shakira stated, “Being a songwriter is an accomplishment that holds equal, if not greater, significance to me than being a singer and an artist.”
Exciting New Venture: While it has been confirmed that Hypgnosis Songs has acquired the music publishing rights to Shakira’s entire back catalog, the specific financial terms of their agreement have not yet been disclosed. Reflecting on her journey, Shakira shared her deep-rooted passion for songwriting since a young age. She expressed that each song she has written is a meaningful representation of who she was during that time. However, once a song is released into the world, it becomes a shared experience between her and those who appreciate it. Feeling grateful for the power of songwriting, Shakira acknowledged the privilege it has granted her to connect with others and be part of something larger than herself. She expressed her confidence in Hypgnosis Songs, believing it to be the ideal home for her catalog. Shakira emphasized her satisfaction in partnering with a company led by Merck, who truly values artists and their artistic creations. She also acknowledged the company’s role as an advocate for songwriters worldwide who deeply care about the continued impact and longevity of their songs.
Excited: Shakira shared her happiness by stating, ‘I am thrilled to have found a wonderful home for my catalog with Hypgnosis, and I am delighted to collaborate with a company that truly values artists under the leadership of Merck.’ Joining the ranks of other renowned musicians, such as Lindsey Buckingham, Debbie Harry, and Mark Ronson, Shakira has decided to sell the rights to her music to the fund. Earlier this month, it was announced that Neil Young had sold fifty percent of the copyright and income interests to 1,180 of his songs to the Hypnosis Songs Fund, reportedly earning him a staggering $150 million. Following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks, who recently sold the majority stake in their music for $100 million to Primary Wave, Young has secured his own deal. Bob Dylan, on the other hand, made headlines when he sold the publishing rights to over 600 songs to Universal Music Publishing Group. The deal was rumored to be worth anywhere between $300 million and $500 billion, solidifying Dylan’s place among the esteemed artists who have decided to monetize their music catalogs.
Last week, it was reported that renowned musician Neil Young, seen in a photo from 2015, has made a significant deal by selling 50% of his music rights for a generous sum of $150 million to Hypnosis Songs Fund.
Recently, the famous musician Stevie Nicks reportedly struck a lucrative deal with Primary Wave, successfully selling 80% of her music catalog for a staggering $100 million. In a similar fashion, Hipgnosis Songs also acquired the rights to Mariah Carey’s iconic hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” just before it skyrocketed to the top spot on the UK charts in December. These acquisitions in the music industry underscore the growing trend of artists capitalizing on their extensive catalogs. Mr. Mercuriadis, the mastermind behind these ventures, recognizes the remarkable journey of a talented Colombian artist who has transformed into a globally recognized and influential figure. It is essential not to overlook her immense success as a serious and accomplished songwriter, crafting and co-writing nearly every recorded track throughout her illustrious career spanning the past 25 years. Shakira, an exceptional artist, has not only achieved immense success in physical record sales but has now surpassed many other artists in the realm of streaming. This impressive accomplishment can be attributed to her unwavering determination and her ability to write songs that evoke intense passion in audiences around the globe. We are thrilled to have the queen of Latin music, and so much more, join our Hipgnosis family.
You can’t ignore the popularity of her songs! The collection includes Shakira’s chart-topping tracks like Whenever, Wherever, and the catchy collaboration Hips Don’t Lie (captured in a snapshot with Jennifer Lopez in February 2020).
