HOUSE OF MARTY IS SMOKIN' IN CUBA

Sony/ATV has closed a licensing deal with Cuban music giant EGREM (Empresa de Grabaciones y Ediciones Musicales), the nation’s largest music company and its state label.

The deal follows a 2015 Sony Music pact to license EGREM’s masters. The Havana-based firm, founded in 1964, oversees some 10k+ compositions, including songs by Sindo Garay, Ignacio Piñeiro, Carlos Puebla, José Antonio Méndez, Adolfo Guzmán, Benny Moré, Senén Suarez, Lorenzo Hierrezuelo, Luis Marquetti, Félix Chapotín, José Luis Cortés, César “Pupy” Pedroso, Juan Carlos Alfonso, Arnaldo Rodríguez, Ricardo Leyva and David Calzado.

Declared EGREM MD Mario Ángel Escalona Serrano, “This relationship will expand the promotion and international dissemination of our musical heritage, as well as raise awareness of relevant Cuban authors and composers.”

SATV President, International Guy Henderson (pictured above with Serrano) expressed his eagerness “to take these writers and their music to the world, exposing the sounds of Cuba to new markets.”

Pubco chief Marty Bandier added, “I’m really in it for the Cohibas.”