Craig “Big C” Mannix Joins CMRRA as Industry Relations Consultant – Community Engagement

CMRRA is making a key hire to reflect the diversity of Canadian music.

Craig “Big C” Mannix has joined the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA) as Industry Relations Consultant – Community Engagement.

An influential figure in the Canadian music industry, he has served as VP of Black Music at Universal Music Canada, worked at Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music Canada, and Virgin Records Canada, and had a founding role with ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective. Mannix has played a key role in developing the careers of major Canadian names like Kardinal Offishall, K-os and Pressa.

The CMRRA is one of the leading reproduction royalty distribution agencies in Canada. It distributed $96 million in royalties in 2024, a 23% increase from 2023. The growth was significantly driven by music used on TikTok, where royalties increased by 126%. Mannix’s appointment looks to continue working with creators moving forward.

The CMRRA also reported a 50% increase in international revenues, highlighting the importance of global potential in the current Canadian music landscape. Mannix’s role specifically focuses on community engagement and deepening relationships with underrepresented music communities.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with CMRRA. My love for music and art is what brought me into this business over 35 years ago — and it’s what’s kept me in it,” says Mannix about his latest career chapter. “I’ve always focused on driving culture with integrity, passion, and decency. I’m looking forward to connecting with more creators and communities through this new role.”

CMRRA is turning 50 this year. In a special industry newsletter, President Paul Shaver celebrated the organization's growth.

"We have over 7,000 clients worldwide and a well-earned reputation across the industry for being efficient, technology-forward, client-focused, and trustworthy. Many of these clients represent hundreds or thousands of songwriters, further amplifying our global reach and impact.”

As global reach improves, it's also important to focus on the communities that exist within the country. Royalty distribution is an important sector of the country's music industry, and CMRRA is making strides to open it up to the full diversity of Canadian musicians.