Sony/ATV Music's neighboring rights division has announced a cluster of new deals to represent artist catalogs, the biggest fish being legendary singer-songwriters Bob Marley and Leonard Cohen. The London-based unit said other new signees include songwriter Jamie Scott, rappers Big Shaq and Kojo Funds, dance musician Elderbrook and producer Bob Ezrin.

Headed by George Powell, formerly of UK licensing and rights org PPL, Sony/ATV's neighboring rights division collects royalties due to artists and musicians whenever there is a commercial exploitation of their sound recordings in public, such as terrestrial or digital radio or cable TV.

Marley and Cohen join a neighboring rights roster that already includes Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Hans Zimmer, Snoop Dogg, Mark Ronson, Sting, The Weeknd and Hans Zimmer, among others. Marley's classic and oft-played songs include "No Woman, No Cry," "Could You Be Loved" and "Is This Love," while Cohen's catalog includes classics like "Suzanne," "Bird on a Wire" and the ubiquitous "Hallelujah."

"In an area of the industry which is getting fierce with competition, it's beyond an honour to be entrusted with the calibre of artists that have joined our NR family this year," said Powell. "It's fantastic to see revenues growing year on year in this sector, but it's also always a shock to take on clients such as Bob Marley and see just how many recordings they are still to this day not being accounted on."

Added Guy Moot, Sony/ATV UK's managing director and president, worldwide creative: "We've also expanded the infrastructure and personnel of the division as part of our goal of delivering the highest-quality service to hitmakers past and present."