CKay Announces Departure from Warner Music South Africa, Eyes New Horizons

Afrobeats artist CKay has officially exited Warner Music South Africa, expressing gratitude for his journey with the label. Anticipation builds for his next career move, with a significant announcement expected soon. CKay’s rise to fame led to major hits like “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” and he recently launched a new music company with plans to support artists globally.

CKay, the renowned Afrobeats artist, has officially concluded his recording contract with Warner Music South Africa. This decision to refrain from renewing his contract was described by the artist as both intentional and mutual. CKay expressed his gratitude for the journey, stating, “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 gained international recognition with hits such as “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” CKay’s next career move remains highly anticipated. Industry insiders suggest that a significant announcement may be forthcoming, indicating a potential shift in his artistic direction and musical style anticipated within the upcoming week.

CKay’s road to fame began in 2014 when he was discovered and relocated to Lagos, leading to his association with Chocolate City in 2015. The release of his promotional single “Bad Musician Bad Producer” in May 2016 garnered substantial recognition. He was officially added to Chocolate City’s artist roster by August 2016 and launched his EP “Who the F*ck Is CKay?” in September 2017.

CKay’s breakthrough came with the release of “Container” in March 2018, which capitalized on the popular South African dance style, gaining considerable airplay in Nigeria. His EP “CKay The First,” released in August 2019, featured “Love Nwantiti,” a track that solidified his status as a prominent artist in Nigeria. The remix of this song, featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, became a viral sensation on TikTok in 2021, leading CKay to gain international acclaim and entry into the US Billboard Hot 100.

The subsequent success of “Emiliana,” released in December 2021, further elevated CKay’s standing in the music industry, achieving notable chart performances across Europe and Africa. This track earned platinum certification in France by May 2022, and in August 2022, CKay celebrated surpassing 100 million streams on Boomplay.

In August 2024, CKay, along with childhood friend Joseph Salubi, established Boyfriend Music, a music publishing and management company with an American subsidiary. This label aims to support artists, songwriters, and producers on a global scale. Following the immense popularity of “Love Nwantiti,” PREMIUM TIMES reported it as the highest-selling Nigerian song in the US in December 2024. Additionally, in October 2024, CKay released his anticipated sophomore album, “EMOTIONS,” featuring collaborations with various artists.

In summary, CKay’s exit from Warner Music South Africa marks a significant transition in his career as he prepares to explore new artistic avenues. His rise to fame is marked by successful releases and viral hits that resonated with audiences worldwide. With the establishment of Boyfriend Music and an exciting new album, CKay is poised to continue influencing the global music scene significantly.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com