The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), in collaboration with SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada), hosted KOLAB 2025: Indo-Canadian Songwriting Camp to mark its 56th Foundation Day. The week-long residency took place from August 23–29 at The True School of Music, Vijaybhoomi University Campus, Karjat.
The camp brought together 22 artists from India and Canada, including Tesher, Jonita Gandhi, Mitika, JP47, Mad Mix, Zafar Sandhu, Revay, Jassi X, Mellow D, Sweetaj Brar, Josh Brar, Jeevana, and Durba Banerjee. Over 56 original songs were composed across languages, genres, and cultures, showcasing the spirit of collaboration.
Creative direction was led by industry stalwarts Bunty Bains, Mayur Puri, and Mannan Shah, who mentored participants through songwriting and co-production.
Mayur Puri said, “This is my second year at KOLAB as a mentor, and I can confidently say the camp has a bright future ahead. The energy, the music, the talent everything is genuinely inspiring. I’m proud to be part of a space where not just songs are made, but the future of music is being shaped.”
Mannan Shah said, “KOLAB is a genre in itself. The process of creating songs here is far more exciting and innovative than the conventional approach. It not only challenges artists but also helps them rediscover their true potential. KOLAB is a game-changer in the music industry, and I’m proud to be a part of it!”
Bunty Bains said, “KOLAB has truly become a treasure trove of talent for me. The songs created at the camp are nothing short of gems, and I feel proud to be mentoring such incredible artists from India and abroad. Both years have been phenomenal, and with IPRS, it’s been an amazing journey!”
The camp also highlighted young Indian voices like Jeevana and Durba Banerjee, who collaborated with international artists.
Singer Jonita Gandhi said, “This camp gave me the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented people and experiment with new ideas and sounds. The experience inspired me to collaborate on some fresh music and have a great time doing so!”
Tesher said, “I got to see what everybody’s talented at and connect with amazing collaborators. I found producers and lyricists whose vibe matched mine and could work together. So, in the end, it was all about discovering great people to create my music with.”
Durba Banerjee said, “Working with artists like Tesher and Jonita Gandhi was nothing short of a dream come true for me. It was overwhelming, exhilarating, and incredibly inspiring. The camp gave me the confidence to create songs I never thought I could. A huge thanks to IPRS for providing this wonderful opportunity, I’m excited and looking forward to more such amazing experiences!”
Jeevana added, “The IPRS Songwriters Camp has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my journey. Working with some of the biggest national and international artists was an incredible opportunity that pushed my creativity further. With no pressure to perform, I was free to experiment, and it brought out my best work. I explored new boundaries and discovered possibilities I never expected. Grateful to the IPRS for making it all possible!”
Set against the serene Jamrung Valley, the camp not only nurtured new music but also explored the future of cross-border collaborations, streaming opportunities, and fair practices in the industry.
With KOLAB, IPRS and SOCAN continue to strengthen global music partnerships, empowering songwriters and building opportunities that transcend borders.
