Primary Wave Music, in conjunction with Brazil-headquartered Nas Nuvens Music Group, has entered into a partnership with iconic Brazilian composer, singer, and guitarist, Gilberto Gil.
The deal sees Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens Music Group acquire Gilberto Gil’s catalog.
The companies claim in a press release that the partnership “is one of the most significant to emerge from South America, combining one of Brazil’s largest music transactions with the iconic stature of one of the country’s most influential cultural figures”.
They added that deal “redefin[es] the approach to catalog and legacy partnerships in the region”.
Gilberto Gil is described by Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens Music Group as one “of the most important and influential figures in not just music but Brazilian culture”.
Nas Nuvens was founded and is led by Liminha, described as “one of the most influential music producers in Latin America”.
Formed in 2021 through a partnership between private equity fund Starboard Partners, the company set out to emulate Primary Wave’s model in the Brazilian market – namely, acquiring partial stakes in the works of iconic artists.
Primary Wave is a strategic investor in the company, which shares its name with the Nas Nuvens Studio, founded by Liminha in partnership with Gilberto Gil in Rio de Janeiro in 1984.
Bloomberg reported in 2024 that Primary Wave acquired a 50% stake in Nas Nuvens Catalog, valuing the Sao Paulo-headquartered company at around USD $100 million.
Nas Nuvens manages more than 80 music catalogs representing some of Brazil’s “most iconic artists and songwriters”, including Carlinhos Brown, Chorão (Charlie Brown Jr.), Arlindo Cruz, Zeca Baleiro, Vanessa da Mata, Vinicius Cantuaria, Celso Fonseca, Kiko Zambianchi, Sombrinha, Renato Teixeira, Raimundos, Nelson Ned, Nando Cordel, Zeeba, Bruno Martini, Matheus Aleixo, Tico Santa Cruz, Timbalada, Maneva, Planta e Raiz, and Flora Matos, among many others, as well as the catalogs of record labels such as CID, MZA, and Midas.
According to the press release, the partnership will “focus on the concretization and preservation of Gilberto Gil’s legacy”.
It will also focus on “accelerating the internationalization of his catalog and cultural impact among new generations, across new platforms, and to global audiences”.
The companies added that the deal builds on the “careful stewardship” led by Gilberto Gil’s wife Flora Gil and the team at independent record label Gege “over the past decades”.
“Gilberto Gil is the living embodiment of Brazilian culture on the world stage, representing everything that makes Brazil unique and globally relevant.”
Jason Eliasen, Nas Nuvens Music Group
Jason Eliasen, CFO & COO, Nas Nuvens Music Group, added: “Gilberto Gil is the living embodiment of Brazilian culture on the world stage, representing everything that makes Brazil unique and globally relevant.
This partnership is not only iconic for Brazil, but a landmark moment for global music, recognizing the universal importance of Gil’s work.
“It creates a powerful bridge between Brazil and the global music ecosystem, allowing us to anchor Gil’s legacy at home while bringing his music, his image, and his story to audiences around the world.”
“Gilberto Gil is not only one of the greatest artists Brazil has ever produced — he is part of the soul of our culture.”
Liminha, CEO, Nas Nuvens Music Group
Liminha, CEO, Nas Nuvens Music Group, added: “Gilberto Gil is not only one of the greatest artists Brazil has ever produced — he is part of the soul of our culture.
“I have had the privilege of walking alongside him for decades, as a producer, musician, composer, collaborator, and friend, and I have seen firsthand how deeply his music connects people across generations and transcends borders.
“I have learned a great deal by observing the wisdom he brings to everyday life. Beyond being a great artist, Gil is a great human being.
“At Nas Nuvens Music Group, this partnership is deeply personal to us: it is about honoring Gil’s legacy with the respect it deserves and ensuring that his music continues to travel the world with the same strength, beauty, and freedom that have always defined his work.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Gilberto Gil and his family into the Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens family.”
Bill Cisneros, Primary Wave Music
Bill Cisneros, President, Primary Wave Music, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Gilberto Gil and his family into the Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens family.
“We are deeply honored that Gil and team have selected Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens to help protect and grow the incredible legacy he has already given the world.”
Primary Wave noted that Gil’s career, which began in the early 60s, “helped define the Tropicália movement and reshaped the trajectory of Latin music”.
His career spans more than six decades and includes more than 60 albums. Among his most best-known songs are Vamos Fugir, Aquele Abraco, Toda Menina Baiana, Andar com Fé, Palco, Realce, and dozens of others, which Primary Wave noted “have become woven into Brazil’s cultural fabric”.
His work has earned him two Grammy Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards, and in 2005, he was the first Latin American recipient of the Polar Music Prize.
Gil collaborated with and “earned the admiration of” icons such as George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, and Sting.
He recorded a Brazilian version of No Woman, No Cry and is widely regarded as a pioneer in introducing reggae to Brazil.
Jimmy Cliff toured Brazil alongside Gil, and Gil recorded in Jamaica with The Wailers. In 2025, at 83 years of age, the “genre-bending” artist. who is “considered one of Brazil’s greatest composers” announced his farewell tour performing across South America, Europe and the States.
Gil’s farewell tour, Tempo Rei, continues through 2026, and will include a headlining performance at Rock in Rio.
Elsewhere, globally, in November, Primary Wave partnered with Derry Music Company for the music, publishing copyrights, and recording catalog of legendary jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck.
Also in November, the company entered into a partnership with the estate of Phil Lynott, co-founder and songwriter of iconic Irish rock band Thin Lizzy.
In October, the company struck a partnership with Grammy winner Patti LaBelle.
In July last year, the company struck a music rights deal with the Estate of legendary English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, Peter Green.
In June 2025, Primary Wave partnered with Grammy-nominated band the Cars.
In March last year, the company acquired a stake in the Biggie Smalls catalog, which was reported to have valued the artist’s estate at $200 million.
Primary Wave’s portfolio also includes rights to works by Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, and Luther Vandross. The company has also signed a marketing and publishing administration deal with Grammy-winning songwriter and performer Jimmy Webb, along with deals with the estate of country and folk singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, Grammy-winning violinist Itzhak Perlman, and Feels So Good composer Chuck Mangione.
The company has also recently acquired the catalog of Nuno Bettencourt of 90s rock band Extreme; inked a publishing partnership with alt-rock band The Spin Doctors; and signed a music rights deal with Neil Finn of Crowded House.
Primary Wave also struck a deal for the recorded, publishing, brand and name and likeness rights of The Village People of YMCA fame; a catalog deal with the estate of songwriter and musician P.F. Sloan; and a stake in the catalog of singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka.
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