Universal Music Group Executive Engages with Dharavi Dream Project’s Hip-Hop School, Amplifying Young Talent

The Dharavi Dream Project After School of Hip-Hop was honoured to host a special visit from Adam Granite, Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Middle East and Asia (“AMEA”) of Universal Music Group, at its premises located in the heart of Dharavi (India’s largest Slum), Mumbai.

Adam Granite’s visit to The Dharavi Dream Project After School of Hip-Hop symbolises a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Universal Music Group, India and the Dharavi Dream Project community. The After School of Hip-Hop, a pioneering initiative in Dharavi, provides youth with opportunities for artistic expression and skill development through hip-hop culture.

Speaking on how initiatives like the Daravi Dream Project have contributed to broader goals of social impact and community development with this visit, Adam Granite, CEO, Africa, Middle East and Asia (“AMEA”), Universal Music Group, said, “I think if you can engage the kids in a positive way, especially after school when perhaps they could be finding less productive uses of their time, you are really helping a community develop. I think the fact that it’s attached to hip-hop and to music, is something, personally and for all of us at Universal, incredibly important and valuable.”

During his visit Adam Granite had the opportunity to engage with students, mentors, and staff members of The Dharavi Dream Project, witnessing the firsthand impact of hip-hop education on the lives of young people in the community.

“Supporting initiatives like the Dharavi Dream Project is about lifting communities and fueling the dreams of future artists. I was humbled to witness firsthand the tangible impact of Universal Music’s collaboration with this visionary project. Looking forward to seeing the bright futures it’s nurturing for these talented individuals.” Adam Granite.

His presence encapsulated Universal Music Group’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower artists and communities worldwide.

As the CEO, he addressed his long-term mission for the Daravi Dream Project, which is to empower youth and foster creativity across cultural landscapes. He said, “I think it’s fascinating for me and fun to see the common thread across geographies, cultures, and languages around the world. There’s a spirit of diversity. There’s a spirit of hip-hop, that exists here in this challenging setting, as you find in other challenging settings around the world. And it’s that pulse and energy that connect kids. It’s an energy. And when it can be turned into a positive one, I think you can really have a very strong local impact.”.

Talking on a decade long partnership, the original TDDP co-founder and the Chairman & CEO, India & South Asia, & Senior Vice President of Strategy for Asia, Middle East and Africa, ( AMeA), Universal Music Group, Devraj Sanyal added, “The talent pool at TDDP is incredible and our executive team there, led by Dolly Rateshwar is also amazing and has been leading India’s no 1 #MusicForSocialGood initiative with the greatest combination of heart and passion I have seen and we wish them all the success to grow this to a great size and have one future superstar emerge from the only #AfterSchoolOfHiphop there exists anywhere in the world.”

“We were delighted to welcome Adam Granite to The Dharavi Dream Project After School of Hip-Hop,” said Dolly Rateshwar, Director & Co-Founder at The Dharavi Dream Project. “His visit not only acknowledges the importance of our longstanding partnership with Universal Music Group but also reflects Universal Music Group’s commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering talent in diverse communities around the world.”

Meanwhile, the Dharavi Dream Project After School of Hip-Hop is a pioneering initiative located in the heart of Dharavi, Mumbai. Dedicated to hip-hop education and artistic empowerment, the school provides a safe and inclusive space for youth to explore their creative potential and develop essential life skills.