Friday April 25, 2025
LONDON, UK (HOL) — Forbes has named Nasra Artan, the Somali-Norwegian executive leading international A&R at Sony Music Publishing, to its 2025 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Entertainment category, recognizing her for reshaping the global music landscape through cross-cultural collaborations and artist development.
Artan, 27, currently serves as Head of International A&R at Sony Music Publishing, a role she assumed in May 2024 after joining the company in 2022. From her base in London, she leads the company’s international creative strategy—fostering innovation across continents, managing global songwriting camps, and supporting the careers of rising songwriters from various backgrounds.
“I am excited to be stepping into this new role at SMP, and I am thankful to Jon and Guy for their trust and support,” Artan said when promoted. “My passion for creative collaboration runs deep, and I look forward to working closely with our A&R teams to elevate the careers of our songwriters internationally.”
Since joining Sony, Artan has played a key role in signing talent such as Indian producer Kalmi and UK-based artist AoD. She has also helped organize songwriting camps in Miami, Stockholm, Accra, and Johannesburg—efforts that reflect her commitment to building global creative networks.
Before her time at Sony, Artan worked at Warner Music Norway, where she progressed from A&R assistant to A&R project manager. Her contributions there included artist signings and project leadership, such as overseeing work with Norwegian act Amara under Rolig Records.
Born and raised in Oslo, Artan’s career began as a DJ and radio host for NRK P3’s National Rap Show alongside veteran presenter Tommy Tee. Her early success on Norway’s live music circuit, including performances across Europe, eventually opened doors in the record industry.
Artan holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from BI Norwegian Business School and earned her MBA from the University of West London. Her rise marks a milestone in an industry where few women of Somali heritage have reached executive positions.
