FUGA, a music distributor owned by Downtown Music, has just announced a strategic partnership with Filipino hip-hop company ASINTADA, boosting its presence in the Asia-Pacific market.

Founded in 2012, ASINTADA is known for representing leading hip-hop artists in the Philippines, including Gloc-9, who has achieved over 500 million Spotify streams and 60 awards. The company also manages prominent hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope, Flow G, and Skusta Clee in their growing network. “The Filipino music industry, especially the hip-hop scene, is thriving, and we want to collaborate with the best,” said Thea Gomez-Pollisco, CEO of ASINTADA. “This partnership with FUGA will help us elevate our artists and support rising talent in reaching their goals.”

The collaboration gives ASINTADA access to FUGA’s global distribution network, marketing tools, and analytics. It is part of FUGA’s strategy to enhance its footprint in the Philippines, where it has already teamed up with the Jesuit Communications Foundation and other local studios.

To further its regional growth, FUGA has appointed Noorcahyo Istyabudi as head of business development in Indonesia and Jaya Singh as Regional Representative for South Asia. Both will report to Anita Zagar, FUGA’s General Manager for Korea and APAC. “With the remarkable growth of local talent, FUGA is proud to partner with innovative labels and artists in APAC,” Zagar mentions in a press statement. “We aim to expand our services and help our partners reach new global audiences.”

FUGA, which serves over 1,600 music rights holders and accounts for more than a quarter of the world’s new releases, is already making waves across 17 countries. Recent partnerships include global distribution deals with labels like Record Makers in France and Marathon Music Group in the UK, among others.