Qai Qai, the social media sensation
inspired by the favorite doll of Serena Williams' daughter, Alexis Olympia
Ohanian Jr., has entered into a deal with Republic Records: Kids & Family
through a partnership with Invisible Universe, an internet-first animation
studio. This collaboration aims to produce original music featuring Qai Qai,
who has garnered over five million fans across social media platforms.
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| Avery Lipman (Founder and COO, Republic Records), Olympia Ohanian, Qai Qai, Bree Bowles (Senior Vice President, Republic Records: Kids & Family) and Monte Lipman (Founder and CEO, Republic Records) |
In celebration of the announcement, Qai Qai released the song "Dancing on the Moon," featuring the voice of 12-year-old Broadway sensation Sydney Elise Russell, known for her performances in The Lion King and Frozen. The track was produced by Grammy-nominated hitmaker Johnny Goldstein, recognized for his work with artists like David Guetta, the Black Eyed Peas, and Coi Leray.
Serena Williams expressed her
excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Olympia loved seeing Sydney Russell perform on Broadway in The Lion
King and is so excited to listen to her sing as Qai Qai on the upcoming album."
Williams also shared her enthusiasm for witnessing Invisible Universe and
Republic Records: Kids & Family bring Qai Qai's music to life, expressing
anticipation for her family to enjoy the upcoming album.
Qai Qai, pronounced "Kway-kway," was developed by
Invisible Universe in collaboration with Serena Williams, who is also one of
the company's investors. Other investors include Seven Seven Six, a venture
firm founded by Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, along with Jennifer Aniston,
Will Smith's Dreamers VC, and others.
Bree Bowles, Senior Vice President of Republic Records: Kids & Family, expressed the seamless nature of the collaboration, stating, "The alliance between Qai Qai and Republic Records: Kids & Family felt seamless from the beginning." Acknowledging the undeniable impact of music discovery through social media, especially on platforms like TikTok where Qai Qai found her audience, the partnership aims to leverage a music strategy for the brand.
Bowles highlighted the excitement
of bringing Sydney's remarkable voice to the project and crafting music that
appeals to the entire family with the support of talented producers and
songwriters.
Republic Records: Kids &
Family, launched in 2022, focuses on audiences aged 12 and under, and has
established partnerships with NBC and Nickelodeon, featuring acts such as Erin
& Aaron, Young Dylan star Dylan Gilmer, That Girl Lay Lay, and the cast of
The Loud House. The label operates under the umbrella of Republic Records, home
to renowned artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Morgan
Wallen, Nicki Minaj, and more.
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| REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY |
Monte Lipman, the founder and CEO of Republic Records, emphasized the label's goal with Republic Records: Kids & Family, stating, "It’s not about making ‘kids’ music, it’s about making great music accessible to all audiences. Qai Qai is a perfect example of this initiative."
Invisible Universe, known for its
ventures in children's animation and entertainment, has gained recognition with
star-backed projects such as Clydeo, a cooking and foodie series based on
Jennifer Aniston's gray Schnauzer mix. The studio has also produced Squeaky
& Roy from TV personalities and social stars Charli and Dixie D'Amelio, as
well as Ember, based on the daughter of the ruler of the underworld.
Tricia Biggio, co-founder and CEO
of Invisible Universe, highlighted the resonance of music with Qai Qai's
audience and expressed excitement about the collaboration with Republic
Records: Kids & Family and Johnny Goldstein. Biggio sees this partnership
as a natural evolution for the franchise and an opportunity to deepen
engagement with Qai Qai's extensive community of fans. She concluded by
expressing optimism for Qai Qai's future success, stating, "Qai Qai has broken boundaries on social
media for years now, and I can’t wait to watch her win a Grammy someday!"
