FEBRUARY 15, 2024 – Kobalt today announced that it has signed Umbrella Songs to a worldwide publishing agreement. Founded by Lunick Bourgess, a music executive with over 10 years of music experience, Umbrella has made noise in less than its two years of existence, signing pioneers in hip-hop, rap, and other music at the forefront of culture in the UK, US, France, and Africa.
With over two billion streams and over 35 certifications worldwide, along with No. 1’s in Italy, France, and the UK, Umbrella’s catalog includes songs with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Pop Smoke, Emeli Sande, Yeat, Aitch, Teezo Touchdown, D-Block Europe, WizKid, Nines, Chloe Bailey, as well as a share of Tyla’s Grammy nominated and Brit nominated Global smash hit “Water” which peaked at Number No. 3 on the US Billboard Airplay Charts and No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Umbrella has already hit the ground running with Kobalt, signing Liverpool-based rapper Mazza_l20. Mazza’s record, Murdaside, peaked at No. 18 on the Top 40 Official Charts Company.
Commenting on the signing, Kobalt’s Head of Global Creative, Alison Donald, said, “I am thrilled that Umbrella Songs have chosen Kobalt as their publishing partner. We’re excited about what we can help them achieve and build both here in the UK and beyond, the opportunity is limitless.”
Added Head of UK Creative, Kenny McGoff, “I have admired and respected Lunick and the Umbrella team from the first moment we met. Their energy is infectious, and their taste is impeccable. To be able to help support their global ambition to discover and nurture true talent is both exciting and a privilege for me and the Kobalt family.”
Bourgess said, “We are extremely proud and excited to join the Kobalt Family. We like the way the team works, their outlier mentality, and, more importantly, the belief they have in Umbrella’s vision. We want to thank Kenny and Alison for backing us; the work starts here.”
