Mumbai: EMI Music Publishing has signed a long-term worldwide publishing agreement to represent legendary singer-songwriter/producer/arranger Eddy Grant.

The deal covers the Guyana-born musician’s new and future music, as well as his extensive back-catalogue including classic hits such as Electric Avenue, Gimme Hope Jo’Anna, I Don’t Wanna Dance, Living on the Frontline and Baby Come Back.

Grant recently embarked on his first live tour of the UK in 20 years, including an appearance at both the Glastonbury festival and Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Celebration in Hyde Park. His greatest hits collection, The Very Best of Eddy Grant…Road to Reparation, was released at the end of last month.

EMI Music Publishing UK President Guy Moot commented, "Grant has been writing hit songs for well over forty years, and his music still resonates with people all over the world. He is an entrepreneur, can still cause controversy and discussion to this day, and above all is a true creative spirit whose influence and importance cannot be questioned. We’re really happy to enter this partnership with Grant, and are looking forward to working with him to introduce his songs to a whole new generation of music fans."

Grant said, "It is my sincerest hope that this relationship will set a new trend in the strategic relationship between a major and a small independent publisher. In a relationship such as this, the best can be realised, on both sides, through what I would call creative administration and visionary creation. May God help us to steer a good course through the admission of our faults if and when they occur, in this way we can be stronger together."

Grant began his career in the music industry in 1965, forming the Equals with John Hall, Lincoln Gordon, Derv Gordon, and Patrick Lloyd. The band scored a number of hit singles including I Get So Excited, Viva Bobby Joe, Baby Come Back, and Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys, before Grant quit in 1971 to launch a solo career.