PopArabia VP of A&R and acquisitions Wissam Khodur and HFM Production founder Humam Hassan. Photo Credit: Reservoir/PopArabia

Reservoir Media and PopArabia have announced a pair of new music IP acquisitions under their years-running MENA partnership.

The companies unveiled both plays – the latest in a line of song-rights purchases in the Middle East and North Africa – today. First, Reservoir and PopArabia have acquired “all compositions and masters owned by Iraqi music production house HFM Production.”

Officially founded in 2011, HFM has in keeping with its name “built a reputation specializing in media production,” including commercials, music videos, billboards, and more, its website shows.

Additionally, with offices in Baghdad and Dubai, the company operates a namesake label that’s put out north of 500 videos and recordings. Among the latter are releases from regional talent such as Ahmed Al Maslawi, Ahmed Fadel, and Morocco-born Arab Idol contestant Salma Rachid, to name a few.

Meanwhile, the just-inked deal – the financial details of which haven’t been publicly disclosed but could emerge in earnings reports down the line – encompasses “a number of forthcoming new releases” from HFM artists to boot.

Addressing the transaction, HFM founder and GM Humam Hassan touched on the potential for Reservoir and PopArabia to drive commercial results on the international stage.

“With the network and expertise of Reservoir and PopArabia, I am excited to see how they can further the reach and impact of HFM’s catalog on a global scale,” added Hassan, whose company’s YouTube channel has about 3.1 million subs and 1.4 billion views. “We look forward to highlighting our talent and amplifying their voices to even wider audiences.”

Next, Reservoir and PopArabia have scooped up “publishing and recorded rights” from Kuwaiti singer-songwriter Essa Almarzoug.

As described by the purchasers, the 33-year-old artist’s blends of “traditional Khaleeji melodies with modern Arabic pop” have rendered him “one of the most popular Kuwaiti stars.”

“I am excited to partner with PopArabia and Reservoir in this next chapter of my career,” said the “Qanabel” act Almarzoug. “I look forward to bringing Khaleeji pop music to the world with the support of a team who shares my passion and vision.”

In the bigger picture, both investments have arrived against the backdrop of continued music-space growth in MENA; Reservoir and PopArabia have taken interests in the IP of Egypt’s Omar Kamal, Lebanon-based label and publisher Voice of Beirut, and a number of others to date.

October has also seen Warner Music launch a Riyadh-based JV label in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Merwas. And the Recording Academy is moving forward with plans for a multiday “Grammy House Giza” event in 2026.