CKay Announces Departure from Warner Music South Africa, Eyes New Opportunities
CKay has officially exited Warner Music South Africa, choosing not to renew his contract intentionally. He expressed gratitude for his time with the label and indicated plans for exploring new artistic directions. CKay’s notable journey included successful releases like “Love Nwantiti” and the establishment of his own label, Boyfriend Music, continuing his impact in the music industry.
CKay, the renowned Afrobeats artist known for hits such as “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” has officially concluded his recording contract with Warner Music South Africa. The singer confirmed that the decision not to renew the contract was intentional and mutually agreed upon. Reflecting on this transition, CKay stated, “Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was significant, which I’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and horizons.”
Having risen to fame since 2014 after relocating to Lagos, CKay began collaborating with Chocolate City in 2015. He gained recognition with his promotional single “Bad Musician Bad Producer” released in 2016, which was made available for free download to encourage cover versions. CKay officially joined Chocolate City’s artist roster in August 2016 and released his EP “Who the F*ck Is CKay?” in September 2017.
His track “Container,” released in March 2018, was a pivotal AfroBeat record that profited from the popular South African “gwara gwara” dance, thereby expanding his reach within Nigeria. The release of the EP “CKay The First” later that year featured the hit “Love Nwantiti,” a song that resonated across Nigeria. The remix featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene in 2020 further propelled CKay to international acclaim, especially after it gained enormous traction on TikTok in 2021.
Further remixes enhanced CKay’s repertoire, including collaborations with international artists across various regions. His track “Emiliana,” released in December 2021, achieved notable success, earning him a platinum certification in France and reaching the top of music charts in multiple territories.
By August 2022, CKay celebrated surpassing 100 million streams on Boomplay, solidifying his global fanbase. To expand his reach, CKay, alongside his friend Joseph Salubi, established Boyfriend Music in August 2024, a music publishing and management company poised to support talent worldwide. As of October 2024, the artist continues to evolve his sound with the release of his sophomore album “EMOTIONS,” featuring collaborations with prominent artists.
In summary, CKay’s departure from Warner Music South Africa marks a significant transition in his career as he seeks new opportunities and artistic directions. Renowned for his impactful contributions to the Afrobeats genre, including chart-topping hits and international collaborations, CKay is set to continue his artistic evolution. With the launch of Boyfriend Music, he demonstrates a commitment to supporting other artists while further establishing his presence in the global music landscape.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
