Cantos Music

Cantos Music is an independent French record label, publisher, digital distributor, and production company dedicated to world music, with a particular focus on African and Indian repertoires. Founded in 2001 by Henri de Bodinat, the label has built a catalog that spans classic and contemporary artists from the African continent and the Indian subcontinent. Its roster includes major names such as Ba Cissoko, Thione Seck, Papa Wemba, Franco & le TP OK Jazz, Ravi Shankar, Asha Bhosle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Koffi Olomidé, and Ferré Gola. The label operates three core activities: publishing, production, and digitization, and it also engages in synchronization licensing for advertising and fashion. Notable sync placements include a 2006 Badoit animated commercial featuring Mohammed Rafi's "Jan Pehechaan Ho" and Chanel's 2011 Paris-Bombay show, which used Satyajit Ray's "Charu's Theme." Cantos Music has also seen its catalog reinterpreted by other artists, such as Tina Arena's adaptation of Thione Seck's "Siiw." In recent years, the label has continued to promote its artists through digital platforms and live events, including a viral TikTok trend for a remix of Kim's "Confidence" and a Fanny J concert at the Accor Arena in March 2025. Cantos Music remains an independent entity, headquartered in France, and active in the global world music market.

Cantos Music was founded in 2001 by Henri de Bodinat as an independent label focused on world music. From its base in France, the label developed a catalog centered on African and Indian music, signing or representing artists such as Ba Cissoko, Thione Seck, Papa Wemba, Franco & le TP OK Jazz, Ravi Shankar, Asha Bhosle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Koffi Olomidé, and Ferré Gola. The label's activities expanded to include publishing, production, and digitization of music. In 2006, Cantos Music placed Mohammed Rafi's "Jan Pehechaan Ho" in a Badoit animated commercial featuring Snoopy. In 2011, Chanel selected Satyajit Ray's "Charu's Theme" from the film Charulata for the opening of its Paris-Bombay fashion show; the same piece also appeared in Wes Anderson's film The Darjeeling Limited. The label's catalog has also been reinterpreted by other artists: Thione Seck's "Siiw" was adapted by Tina Arena as "Entends-tu Le Monde," retaining some Wolof words in the chorus. In the 2020s, Cantos Music continues to promote its artists through digital platforms and live events, including a viral TikTok trend for a remix of Kim's "Confidence" and a Fanny J concert at the Accor Arena on March 21, 2025.

• 2025

  Fanny J performs at Accor Arena on March 21.

• 2011

  Chanel's Paris-Bombay show opens with Satyajit Ray's 'Charu's Theme'.

• 2006

  Badoit animated commercial featuring Snoopy uses Mohammed Rafi's 'Jan Pehechaan Ho'.

• 2001

  Cantos Music founded by Henri de Bodinat as an independent world music label.

Independent world music label specializing in African and Indian music, offering publishing, production, and digital distribution services.

• Music publishing

  Publishing services for the label's catalog and artists.

• Digital distribution

  Digital distribution of music across platforms.

• Production

  Production of music recordings and projects.

• Synchronization licensing

  Licensing music for advertising, film, and fashion.

• Digitization

  Digitization of music catalogs.

1. 1Cantos Music official websitecantos.fr
2. 2Cantos Music - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Cantos Music - Wikipedia (French)fr.wikipedia.org