The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), in collaboration with SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) and SOCAN Foundation, has announced the third edition of its flagship cross-border songwriting initiative, KOLAB. Marking IPRS’s Foundation Day, KOLAB 2025 will be a week-long Indo-Canadian music residency held from August 23 to 29, 2025, at The True School of Music, Vijaybhoomi University Campus, Karjat.
This edition will bring together 15 Indian and 8 Canadian music creators for collaborative songwriting, mentoring sessions, listening rooms, and cultural immersion, fostering original sounds that blend Indian and Canadian influences.
Highlighting the initiative’s vision, Shri Javed Akhtar, Chairman, IPRS said, “Music is a universal language—one that transcends geography and boundaries. KOLAB is a shining example of what happens when creators come together not just to collaborate, but to truly connect. It is through such platforms that India strengthens its place in the global music landscape.” Echoing this sentiment, Cameron Kennedy, Vice President, Creative and Member Relations at SOCAN, added, “At SOCAN, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration. KOLAB 2025 is more than a songwriting camp, it’s a celebration of culture, creative synergy, and the shared values that unite songwriters, producers, and artists across borders. We’re proud to partner with IPRS and SOCAN Foundation in strengthening the international music community.”
The camp will be mentored by leading creators including Bunty Bains, lyricist and producer behind Punjabi chart-toppers; Mayur Puri, acclaimed lyricist, screenwriter, and director; and Mannan Shah, Bollywood music composer and producer. These mentors will guide participants to create compositions that are both artistically rich and globally relevant.
Vinay Prabhakar, Dean of The True School of Music at Vijaybhoomi University, said, “Building on the success of the debut edition of KOLAB, which brought together exceptional artists from South Korea and India, the True School of Music at Vijaybhoomi University is delighted to partner for the second edition in collaboration with Canadian and Indian talent. We greatly value the impactful work of the Indian Performing Right Society in fostering such initiatives, and it is a privilege to partner with them and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) to host this immersive residency on our scenic Jamrung campus. This songwriting camp will bring together gifted musicians and creators from across the globe, offering a vibrant space for cultural exchange, creative exploration, and artistic growth. We are confident that the participating artists will leave not only with new music, but also with lasting memories of collaboration and community.”
Rakesh Nigam, CEO IPRS said, “At IPRS, we believe that music knows no borders. With KOLAB, we’re not just enabling co-creation—we’re creating a shared future for music rights, cultural innovation, and artist empowerment. Our collaboration with SOCAN opens up new frontiers for Indian creators on the global stage.”
The lineup of participating artists includes Tesher, Jonita Gandhi, Vickky, Happy Raikoti, Jaani, Jassi X, Mitika, JP47, Zafar Sandhu, Madmix, Pree Mayall, Sweetaj Brar, Basant Kaur, Sparsh Dangwal, Durba Banerjee, Jeevana, Josh Brar, Aagaaz, Shamita Bhatkar, Rucha Govani, and Shubham Semwal. The camp will conclude with a listening showcase and post-event rollout, highlighting the collaborative works produced.
KOLAB 2025 underscores the mission of IPRS and SOCAN to nurture creativity, empower music creators, and advocate for fair rights and royalties, while strengthening India’s presence in the global music landscape.
