AGP Executive Report

Global Breakthroughs: Ayra Starr became the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games halftime show, taking Afrobeats to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Touring and Access: Jamaican dancehall star Popcaan secured a U.S. visa, opening the door to American performances; no dates have been announced. Australian rock band Powderfinger also confirmed an 18-show reunion tour for 2027, its first in 17 years. Chart Milestone: Taylor Swift became the first solo artist to spend 100 weeks atop the Billboard 200, matching The Beatles’ total. Industry Watch: MONDO.NYC opens Tuesday with four days of discussion on AI, music rights, technology and the future of the business. Genre Spotlight: Once banned in Cuba, reparto is gaining global attention, fueled by viral hits and growing audiences in Latin America and Europe.

Australian Reunion: Powderfinger will return for an 18-date tour across six cities in 2027, their first major run since the band split. Global Stages: Ayra Starr is set to become the first African artist to headline an NFL international-game halftime show, while Jamaican star Popcaan has secured a U.S. visa, opening the door to future performances there. New Music: Indian singer Anjana’s debut EP, Yes No Maybe?, traces love, doubt and self-discovery across five songs. Cross-Cultural Voices: Young Chinese and American singers joined for a New York concert after a week of cultural exchange. Classical Return: Pianist and composer Sir Stephen Hough will reunite with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in November. Music Business: Australia’s screen composers’ guild has issued its first fee guide for game music, offering guidance to composers and developers.

Afrobeats on the NFL Stage: Ayra Starr is set to headline the Philadelphia Eagles–Jacksonville Jaguars halftime show in London, a landmark platform for the Nigerian star and Afrobeats. Pop Archive: Britney Spears has released “She’ll Never Be Me,” an unreleased song co-written with Justin Timberlake for her 2001 album Britney; an anniversary edition is due Nov. 6. Festival Disruption: The Chainsmokers’ Austin City Limits set was interrupted by a naked man who reportedly fought attendees and tried to damage sound equipment. Music Business: A man received an 18-month prison sentence for an AI-driven streaming scheme that fraudulently generated $8 million. Manchester’s Music Scene: The city region pledged £2 million to support a broader mix of local artists, beyond its famous guitar bands. Anniversary: John Lennon’s “Imagine,” released 55 years ago, remains a defining anthem of peace.

Live Moments: The Weeknd reunited with BLACKPINK’s Jennie in Seoul for the first live performance of their 2023 song “One of the Girls,” a surprise highlight of his tour’s final Asian leg. New Music: Britney Spears released “She’ll Never Be Me,” an archival track co-written with Justin Timberlake and recorded for her 2001 album; it leads a five-song collection due in November. Awards: “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, won Best Original Song at the World Soundtrack Awards, where Daniel Pemberton was named Film Composer of the Year. Across the Industry: Afrobeats star Ayra Starr made history with an NFL halftime-show appearance, while music-industry mental health drew fresh attention on World Mental Health Day. Tours Ahead: ATEEZ announced a 2027 world tour across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and Fontaines D.C. revealed North American dates. Culture: Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey is bringing country songs in the Cherokee language to Richmond’s folk festival, helping keep the language alive through music.

Filipino Music: BINI won Artist of the Year at the 2026 Filipino Music Awards, while SB19 took the top people’s-choice honours and Maki won Album of the Year. Music Education: Davido has unveiled plans for a music and performing arts complex at his alma mater, Babcock University, with completion expected around 2028. New Music: Britney Spears has released “She’ll Never Be Me,” an unreleased song she co-wrote with Justin Timberlake for her 2001 album; Sheryl Crow’s seven-track album Pick You Up is also out. Rock: The Rolling Stones are back in the studio, saxophonist Courtney Pine says, just months after the band released Foreign Tongues. Global Stage: Ayra Starr is set to become the first African artist to perform at halftime during an international NFL game, in London on Sunday. Charts: Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving has returned to No. 1 in Australia, its 14th nonconsecutive week at the top. Music and AI: Reekado Banks says AI can help with writing and production, but overly polished AI music can diminish the listening experience.

Touring: Charlie Puth says Manila is the only stop on his Asia tour that hasn’t sold out; fans point to ticket costs and a lack of awareness ahead of the Oct. 14 show. Afrobeats: Ayra Starr is making history with an NFL halftime performance, another sign of the genre’s growing reach on major stages. Music and AI: A North Carolina man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using bots to inflate streams of AI-generated tracks, earning more than $8 million in royalties. New Music: Power Trip have released “Precinct 3” and “Scavenger,” their first songs since vocalist Riley Gale’s death in 2020, with a new album planned for next spring. Industry: Manchester has pledged £2 million for its music scene, including support for rehearsal space, jobs and artists facing AI-related challenges. Live Shows: Brandy will headline Flytime’s House of R&B in Lagos on Dec. 20, as part of a run of concerts across South Africa and Nigeria. Recognition: London’s Women In Music Awards celebrated artists and industry leaders, with Jade receiving the Artist Impact award and Shirley Manson named Inspirational Artist.

New Releases & Tours: Nickelback will take its new album, Everything Under the Sun, on a 2027 tour across North America, Europe and Australia. Afrobeats artist ELIKIA has released “Baller,” ahead of his debut album in November. Band News: Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill is retiring after 57 years; Davey Rimmer is set to replace him. Music Goes Global: Burna Boy will co-host GTA 6’s Afro Bank FM, showcasing African classics and contemporary sounds. Farewells & Returns: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, known for “Mi Viejo,” has died at 81. Australian rock band Powderfinger has confirmed its first tour in 16 years, set for 2027. New Music: Troye Sivan has released a new album and video, while Lucinda Williams’ latest record draws on protest music to confront political turmoil.

New Music: Joyce Wrice’s sophomore album, Machiko, arrives Friday, marking a shift from heartbreak toward self-discovery. New singles also land from New Zealand artists Sam Cullen and Louis Baker. Reunion Watch: Australian rock band Powderfinger confirmed they’ll reunite for shows next September, 16 years after splitting; details are due Monday. Tour News: Peaches announced five Australia and New Zealand dates for January 2027, supporting her first album in more than a decade. Industry Moves: Beatport secured fresh investment to expand its platform and services for the global electronic music community. Meanwhile, the U.S. Copyright Office has opened an inquiry into streaming fraud as songwriters push for higher royalties. Remembering: Argentine protest singer Piero, whose songs resonated across generations, has died at 81; R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for ’80s hits including “You Are My Lady,” has died at 70. Artist Development: A year-long Australian mentorship program led by producer KLP has helped participants secure record, publishing and booking deals. European Spotlight: Irish acts Madra Salach, Florence Road and Dove Ellis ranked among Europe’s most-booked emerging artists.

AI and Streaming: Google has opened its SynthID detector to the public, saying its watermarks cover 240,000 years’ worth of AI audio. The launch follows an 18-month prison sentence for a North Carolina man who used AI-generated songs to defraud streaming services. Industry Moves: Pacific Music Group has opened a Tokyo office and signed Japanese rapper JP THE WAVY, with plans to grow his audience across Asia and beyond. Live Music: Aerosmith will return for two Hollywood Bowl shows on Oct. 29 and Nov. 1, joined by guests including Slash, Tom Morello and Billy Idol. Artists: A new ranking spotlights 20 of Fontaines D.C.’s best songs, from debut-era “Big” to the band’s more recent “It’s Amazing to Be Young.” Community: Los Angeles’ free Taste of Soul festival returns Oct. 17, bringing three live stages of R&B, soul, gospel and hip-hop to Crenshaw Boulevard. Songwriter Support: The NMPA’s SONGS Foundation is giving $50,000 to help expand access to therapy for songwriters and composers.

Industry Watch: The U.S. Copyright Office has opened an inquiry into streaming fraud, as the music industry welcomes an 18-month sentence for a fraudster who generated $8 million in bogus royalties. Spotify has also expanded its Music Quiz to cover more than 2,000 artists in 11 markets. Artist Moves: Australian rock band Powderfinger has stirred reunion rumors with a cryptic post, while Kakao Entertainment and Atlantic Music Group have teamed up to develop K-pop artists. Shania Twain has released an audiobook of her memoir. Cross-Cultural Sounds: Kacey Musgraves has released a Spanish version of “Uncertain, TX” with Tejano group Intocable; Shakira is backing a program to expand Latin American women’s access to AI training. On the Road: Irish folk band The Mary Wallopers will play their biggest Australian tour yet and make their New Zealand debut in 2027. Remembering: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, known for his protest music, has died at 81; R&B singer Freddie Jackson has also died. Music Meets Games: Australian studio Beethoven & Dinosaur’s music-led adventure Mixtape won Game of the Year at the 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards.

R&B Loss: Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated voice behind “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” has died at 69. His family praised the singer’s generosity and the songs that became part of generations’ love stories. K-pop Fever: Lima has renamed a street “Avenida BTS” and lit landmarks purple for the group’s first Peru concerts, scheduled for Oct. 7, 9 and 10. Awards Watch: Tyla’s “Chanel” is nominated for R&B/Soul Song of the Year at the Soul Train Awards, with fans deciding the winner for the first time. P-pop Honors: BINI won Artist of the Year and Tour of the Year at the Filipino Music Awards; SB19 took home Concert of the Year and two People’s Choice awards. Festival Lineup: Hong Kong’s Clockenflap has announced Hayley Williams, Keshi, Slowdive and Queens of the Stone Age among its 2026 performers. Global Dance: South African DJ Shimza debuted at No. 75 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list, alongside compatriot Black Coffee at No. 14.

ASEAN Pop Spotlight: SB19 will sing “Together in Motion,” the official theme for the 2026 ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, with the track released via Tourism Philippines. Big Night for P-pop: SB19 and BINI dominated the Filipino Music Awards 2026, with BINI taking Artist of the Year and SB19 winning People’s Choice for “VISA.” Global Artist Moves: Controversial rapper Azealia Banks says she’s moved to Tel Aviv to work on new music and tap into Israel’s arts scene ahead of a planned show. New Album Buzz: Victoria Monét drops “Frequency of Love,” framing it as a shift toward gratitude and love, plus a closer look at her personal moments. R&B Loss: Freddie Jackson, known for “Rock Me Tonight,” dies at 70. Music + Tech: An AI streaming fraudster behind an $8M royalties scam is sentenced to 18 months. Privacy Watch: Australia launches an investigation into smart glasses app data practices tied to HeyCyan. Cultural Commemoration: Oct. 7 memorials across the U.S. and beyond feature art installations and remembrance events.

Blue Planet III Soundtrack: JADE teamed with Hans Zimmer (and Thom Lucas) for “Into The Deep (Seas Cry),” debuting on BBC Radio 1 ahead of the extended trailer premiere. Music Business Leadership: Believe appointed Adriana Sein as President, Americas, overseeing operations across the US, Canada and Latin America. Latin Music Week Lineup: Billboard added major names including Rubén Blades, Anthony Ramos, Lenny Tavárez and Tito Nieves to 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week. African Music Identity Debate: Coverage spotlights Tyla’s pushback on lumping all African music into Afrobeats, arguing for broader labels like amapiano and Afrofusion. Live Music & Culture Events: Washington Revels returns with Winter Revels 2026 in DC, while Cirque Alice announces a 2027 North American tour. Viral Moment: A British TikTok user “Mr Holland” went viral singing along to “Jerusalema,” sparking pride and heritage talk in South Africa. US Politics Meets Music: A Reuters/Ipsos poll says most Americans disapprove of taxpayer-funded Trump ads, with musicians raising permission concerns. Local Scene: Blind Pig Records signed Michigan blues guitarist Larry McCray to a multi-album deal.

K-pop & Pop Releases: Super Junior’s Yesung marks 10 solo years with his second Korean full-length album “Where We Are,” led by rock-leaning “Pedazos,” and announces an eight-city Asian anniversary tour. K-pop Comeback: BabyMonster will release new music on Oct. 23, its first since “Sugar Honey Ice Tea,” as the group continues its “Choom” world tour across Asia and Australia. Global Pop/Alt: Slayyyter sets up “WOR$T MAN IN AMERICA,” a “brother” album arriving Dec. 4, with “Brand New Chanel$” and “crank 2” already out. Country Spotlight: Miranda Lambert says new album drops still make her feel “weird,” because releasing songs means putting her heart “on the page.” Music, Tech & Policy: OpenAI plans to apologise again to Australia over the Medicare hack, while media groups warn weaker AI copyright rules could leave artists “roadkill.” AI Music Industry: The Economist reports labels are in a spin over AI music as tech drives a new disruption wave. Legal/Real Life: Former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn was sentenced to life in prison without parole for his wife’s murder. Cultural Music Moments: A Fijian children’s song collaboration brings Vosa Vakaviti to families during Fijian Language Week, aiming to get kids singing and using the language.

Asian Games Wrap: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after record-breaking swimming stars Yu Zidi and Zhang Zhanshuo, with momentum already aimed at LA 2028. Global Touring: Arijit Singh announced a nine-city India tour for 2027, while Jay Wheeler set a “La Voz Favorita” world tour hitting Spain, the U.S., and Latin America. New Music & Culture: Babatunde140 and Noku Dlamini released “Ubuntu,” an Afro-fusion unity anthem ahead of Oct. 7; Bróna McVittie readies “Supernatural,” translating Irish and European folklore into song for Oct. 16. Industry & Legal: Olivia Dean faces a lawsuit over claims “I’ve Seen It” is too similar to Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us.” Business Moves: Notey closed a $3M seed round and launched a Malta-based European push. Live & Community: FLO confirmed a 2027 arena-spanning tour, and Venice Symphony unveiled its “See Where Music Takes You” season.

Rock & Politics: Phil Collins says Donald Trump’s “whole manner is unattractive,” adding he has an unwritten song about America, “Fat People With Guns,” ahead of his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame solo nod. Global Music Industry: Greece’s Music Export Office will coordinate the country’s delegation to WOMEX 2026 in Las Palmas, with showcases from Kadinelia and Alkyone. New Music Buzz: Victoria Monét’s “Frequency of Love” won Billboard’s favorite new music poll, with fans voting it ahead of releases from Noah Kahan, Miranda Lambert and Drake. Caribbean Legacy: Hundreds gathered in Queens to celebrate the life of calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow, with tributes spanning decades of influence. Live Music Disruption: Milwaukee fans say hundreds of kids were turned away from Freya Skye’s sold-out show after resale tickets wouldn’t scan. Latin Pop Milestone: Shakira’s Madrid concert set an Amazon Music livestream record, featuring a surprise Dua Lipa duet on “Antología.” AI & Work: A report highlights how AI trainers and creative workers are debating whether automation will replace jobs, including in music-related work. Artist Loss: Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan dies at 63, known for “Tell Somebody” and her Canadian Idol judging role.