Chinese pop icon Jay Chou and Universal Music Group announced a new strategic global partnership on Wednesday to release and market his music, as well as support talent on his JVR Music label.

Jay Chou poses for a photograph. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of the leading global music giant Universal Music Group (UMG), has announced a partnership with Jay Chou and his record label JVR Music. The collaboration will secure global marketing and distribution rights for Chou's extensive music catalog and future projects. Additionally, it will provide support to rising talent from JVR Music, including artists like Patrick Brasca and Young (Cao Yang).

Adding Jay Chou, hailed as the "King of Mandopop," to UMG's artist roster, underscores the company's commitment to elevating Mandopop on the international stage. "It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Jay Chou, an icon of our times, into the Universal Music family," said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. "This partnership is more than a milestone for us; it's a celebration of Jay's extraordinary artistry and global appeal. We are deeply honored to be entrusted with his musical legacy and are eager to help showcase his remarkable talent to a broader global audience."

Since his groundbreaking debut album "Jay" in 2000, Chou has been a standout figure in the Mandarin music scene. With a remarkable career spanning 15 studio albums, he has made an indelible mark on the industry. In 2022, Chou achieved a historic milestone with the release of "Greatest Works of Art," not only becoming the first Mandarin artist to enter the top 10 of the IFPI Global Artist Chart, but also topping the Global Album Sales Chart. 

Throughout his career, Chou has embarked on eight world tours, performing a total of 378 concerts by October 2023 in cities across Asia, America, Europe and Australia. His recent concerts have consistently sold out, further solidifying his status as a phenomenal performer. Chou has also achieved significant success in film and art. His directorial debut, "Secret," garnered multiple awards, and he subsequently ventured into Hollywood with roles in "The Green Hornet" and "Now You See Me 2."

Founded in 2007 by Jay Chou, Vincent Fang and JR Yang, JVR Music is a respected and successful label and artist management agency in the music industry. JR Yang, CEO of JVR Music, highlighted that the strategic partnership with UMG signifies a new chapter for Jay and JVR in their vision to take Mandarin pop music to new heights globally. 

"Leveraging UMG's extensive global network enables us to amplify Jay's artistic impact and the diversity of our artist roster on a global scale," Yang said. "We are excited about harnessing this alliance to transcend cultural boundaries and cement the international presence of our unique musical heritage."

In addition to his successful career as a performing artist, Jay Chou is widely acclaimed for his songwriting abilities. He has composed and produced all of his songs, often collaborating with lyricist Vincent Fang. Since 2013, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the renowned global publishing division of Universal Music Group, has served as the global publisher for Jay Chou and JVR, overseeing their entire song catalog. The expanded global strategic agreement with UMGC signifies a new era in UMG's role as a comprehensive global partner for Jay Chou and JVR.

Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development of UMG, added: "Welcoming Jay Chou and JVR to the Universal Music Group is a strategic triumph and a cultural victory. This partnership further cements our commitment to nurturing diverse talents and introducing them to audiences worldwide. Jay's exceptional artistry and JVR's creative prowess align perfectly with our mission to enrich the global music landscape."

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