Acquisition tunes new generations into classic pop works

Universal Music Greater China, a division of Universal Music Group, has acquired the celebrated Carrier Creative Catalog, marking its first major catalog purchase in the region and a significant moment for popular Chinese-language music. The collection includes works from legendary 1980s and 1990s artists such as Little Tigers, singer-songwriter Johnny Chiang, and other influential acts, including You Huan Pai Dui, Hong Hai Er, Girl Group, Nicky Wu, and Alec Su.

These recordings are widely recognized as the foundation of the first golden age of Mandopop, shaping youth culture and the emotional memories of multiple generations across the Chinese-speaking world.

The acquisition builds on a 2025 partnership between UMGC and Skyhigh Entertainment, which saw over 600 recordings and 66 albums — 24 of them from Little Tigers and Chiang — restored, remastered, and relaunched globally on streaming platforms. The collaboration has brought these classic works to a new generation of listeners while preserving the warmth and character of the original recordings.

Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC, said the catalog "represents one of the most important chapters in the history of Chinese-language popular music" and emphasized the company's commitment to both preserving its legacy and exploring new opportunities for the music.

Shirley Miao, founder of Carrier Creative, described the transfer as emotional but expressed confidence that UMGC would care for the catalog with "passion, respect, and long-term commitment".

Artists from the era also weighed in. Wu called the acquisition a way for these "classic songs… to continue reaching more audiences and travel even further", while Chiang said he was "very happy to see these timeless classics become part of UMG's catalog legacy" and hoped they would continue to resonate with new generations.

With this addition, UMGC now manages one of the most extensive and culturally influential Chinese-language music catalogs in the region, spanning over half a century and encompassing many of Mandopop's defining works. The move highlights the company's ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing culturally significant repertoire for audiences worldwide.