Warner Music India Partners With Renzu Music to Amplify Kashmir’s Musical Voices (EXCLUSIVE)

Warner Music India has forged a new distribution partnership with Srinagar-based independent label Renzu Music, which specializes in promoting artists from the Kashmir Valley. Under this agreement, Renzu’s catalog will be integrated into Warner’s extensive global and domestic distribution channels, significantly broadening the reach of Kashmiri music.

Founded by filmmaker Danish Renzu, the label has distinguished itself by blending music curation with cinematic visuals, offering a unique narrative-driven approach to its releases. The collaboration will support a diverse roster of established and emerging talent, including Zahra Banoo, Noor Mohammad, Hyder Dar, Adam, Saqib Wani, Shivani Matyal, Bilal Tantray, Afaq Dar, Kafil Qureshie, Tasneef Bukhari, and Masrat Un Nissa. Recent standout projects include fusion tracks featuring folk veteran Noor Mohammad, who has previously collaborated with artists like Rashmeet Kaur on “Ranjha” and Shikha Joshi on “Maryo,” as well as contributing to IP Singh’s “Chingari.”

Danish Renzu emphasized the partnership’s cultural mission, explaining, “Our goal has always been to bring Kashmiri music to a global stage and foster cross-cultural dialogue. Aligning with Warner allows us to amplify these voices far beyond regional borders.” He credited Vaibhav Nagpal, Head of Partner Relations at Warner Music India, for his instrumental role in facilitating the deal. Ethnomusicologists note that such partnerships are vital for preserving regional musical traditions while making them accessible to modern audiences—a balance that is increasingly important in a globalized industry.

The alliance has been met with enthusiasm across the entertainment world. Actor Saba Azad commented, “While political narratives often dominate discussions of Kashmir, its artistic heritage remains overlooked. It’s inspiring to see platforms like this elevate its cultural wealth.” Udit Arora, known for his role in Netflix's “The Royals,” added, “Kashmiri music possesses a rare emotional depth, and this initiative rightly honors that. We need more such efforts to showcase the region’s creative potential.”

For the artists involved, the partnership opens doors to innovative fusions of traditional Kashmiri sounds with contemporary genres. Shikha Joshi reflected on her collaboration: “Blending Kashmiri folk with modern production was a meaningful creative challenge. Working with authentic talents like Noor Mohammad ji, whose voice carries generations of tradition, added a layer of richness to the music.” This venture not only boosts the visibility of Kashmiri musicians but also enriches India’s musical landscape with its distinctive, culturally rooted contributions.