Warner Music India has inked a distribution agreement with Renzu Music, providing the Kashmir-focused independent label with access to one of the country’s leading music distribution networks.
The partnership represents a major breakthrough for the Srinagar-based operation, which has built its reputation around discovering and developing talent from the Kashmir Valley. Under the leadership of filmmaker Danish Renzu, the label has carved out a niche by combining music curation with cinematic storytelling through music videos.
Warner’s distribution muscle will now support a roster that spans both established and emerging voices. The talent pipeline includes Zahra Banoo, Noor Mohammad, Hyder Dar, Adam, Saqib Wani, Shivani Matyal, Bilal Tantray, Afaq Dar, Kafil Qureshie, Tasneef Bukhari, and Masrat Un Nissa.
Several high-profile fusion projects anchor the label’s current slate. Folk legend Noor Mohammad appears on multiple tracks, collaborating with Rashmeet Kaur on “Ranjha” and with Shikha Joshi on “Maryo.” IP Singh rounds out the featured releases with “Chingari.”
“Our goal was to bring music from Kashmir to a larger audience and create a bridge between Kashmir and the rest of the world,” said Danish Renzu. “The distribution partnership with Warner does exactly that—it helps the sounds of Kashmir travel across the globe. I’m grateful to Vaibhav [Nagpal, head of partner relations, acquisition and distribution at Warner Music India] for putting his faith in us and excited to see where this journey takes us. We have some exciting projects lined up to share with the world.”
The deal has attracted endorsements from entertainment industry figures who see cultural significance in the partnership. Actor Saba Azad noted the broader implications: “Kashmir is often in the news but there is little to nothing of its culture that makes it to the mainstream. I’m delighted Danish is bringing the music of the people of Kashmir to mainstream India and the world and that Warner has put their faith in his efforts.”
For the artists involved, the collaboration represents an opportunity to blend traditional and contemporary approaches. Shikha Joshi reflected on her experience: “Creating an Indian fusion that blended Kashmiri folk with contemporary elements was so enriching. It was lovely working alongside naturally gifted artists like Noor Mohammad ji whose authentic folk texture gave a truly unique sound.”
Actor Udit Arora, known for Netflix’s “The Royals” and a collaborator on one of the label’s Kashmiri tracks, emphasized the timing: “Music from Kashmir is beautiful and I’m glad that finally this music is getting its well-deserved platform. We want to focus on more success stories from the valley. It’s time.”
