Mumbai, 11th Sept 2025 — In celebration of its 56th Foundation Day, the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS), in collaboration with SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada), successfully concluded KOLAB 2025: Indo-Canadian Songwriting Camp, a landmark initiative that brought together 22 exceptional artists for a week-long residency from August 23–29 at The True School of Music, Vijaybhoomi University Campus, Karjat.
The camp witnessed an inspiring confluence of talent with leading names from both countries, including Tesher, Jonita Gandhi, Mitika, JP47, Mad Mix, Zafar Sandhu, and Revay from Canada, collaborating with a vibrant pool of Indian creators like Jassi X, Mellow D, Sweetaj Brar, Josh Brar, Jeevana, and Durba Banerjee. Over 56 original songs were composed across languages, cultures, and genres underscoring the spirit of artistic synergy that defines KOLAB.
Creative direction was led by three of India’s most respected music professionals Bunty Bains, Mayur Puri, and Mannan Shah who mentored participants through collaborative songwriting, genre exploration, and co-production processes. The camp not only facilitated global exposure for rising Indian talent but also created a robust ecosystem for equitable credit, learning, and cross-cultural storytelling.
Commenting on the initiative, Mayur Puri, Lyricist, Board Member, IPRS and the mentor at KOLAB – Indo Canadian Song Camp 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.”
“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!”– Mannan Shah, Indian film music director, singer and music composer, mentor at KOLAB – Indo Canadian Song Camp
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!
— Bunty Bains, lyricist, composer, and producer and mentor at KOLAB – Indo Canadian Song Camp
KOLAB 2025 also spotlighted inspiring stories such as that of Jeevan Goyal (Jeevana) and Durba Banerjee, young Indian creators who held their own in collaborative sessions with international creators emphasizing the camp’s role in uncovering next-generation talent and offering them a truly global stage.
Jonita Gandhi, singer, participant at KOLAB – Indo Canadian Song Camp shared, “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, rapper, singer-songwriter and producer, participant at KOLAB – Indo Canadian Song Camp added, “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, singer, participant 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!”
Jeevan Goyal (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 tranquil backdrop of Jamrung Valley, the camp blended immersive music creation with focused discussions on the future of cross-border collaboration—exploring audience growth through streaming, sync opportunities, and fair practices in music. The joint initiative by IPRS and SOCAN reflects their shared vision of empowering creators and fostering an equitable music ecosystem that connects talent with opportunities.
As India continues to cement its position on the global music map, KOLAB reaffirms IPRS’s commitment to driving international collaborations, empowering songwriters, and building opportunities that transcend boundaries.
