CKay Officially Exits Warner Music South Africa, Sets Sights on New Horizons
CKay has officially ended his recording deal with Warner Music South Africa, a decision he describes as mutual and intentional. Following his successful career, marked by hits like “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” CKay is expected to announce new projects soon. He has also launched Boyfriend Music to support global artists and released a new album, “EMOTIONS.”
CKay, the prominent Afrobeats artist renowned for hits such as “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” has officially concluded his recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa. The artist emphasized that his choice not to renew the contract was both mutual and intentional. Reflecting on his time with the label, CKay expressed gratitude for the experience while stating, “Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was significant, which I’m grateful for.”
After ending his tenure with Warner Music, CKay’s forthcoming endeavors are highly anticipated. Industry insiders suggest that a substantial announcement is imminent, indicating that fans can look forward to a rejuvenated style and sound from the artist in the near future.
CKay’s remarkable ascent to fame began in 2014 when he was discovered and subsequently moved to Lagos. He initially collaborated with Chocolate City in 2015, releasing the promotional single “Bad Musician Bad Producer” on May 6, 2016, which garnered national acclaim. By August 2016, he was officially part of Chocolate City’s roster. His debut EP “Who the F*ck Is CKay?” followed in September 2017.
In March 2018, CKay released “Container,” an AfroBeat track that popularized the South African “gwara gwara” dance, leading to increased airplay across Nigeria. His EP “CKay The First,” released in August 2019, included “Love Nwantiti,” a song that exploded in popularity, culminating in its remix featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, retitled “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah),” in February 2020.
The 2021 viral success of the remix on TikTok saw it reach international acclaim, ranking 23rd in the UK and marking CKay’s debut on the US Billboard Hot 100. His work featured numerous remixes across different languages and regions, showcasing the song’s global appeal. By December 3, 2021, CKay released “Emiliana” and “By Your Side” featuring Blxckie, the former reaching top charts in various countries and earning platinum certification in France by May 26, 2022.
CKay’s success continued as he exceeded 100 million streams on Boomplay in August 2022, and subsequently, on August 27, 2024, he and his friend Joseph Salubi launched Boyfriend Music, aimed at supporting artists and songwriters worldwide. By December 2024, “Love Nwantiti” was recognized as the highest-selling Nigerian song in the United States, coupled with the release of his second album “EMOTIONS” in October 2024, featuring collaborations with prominent artists.
In summary, CKay’s departure from Warner Music South Africa marks a pivotal moment in his career as he seeks to explore new artistic ventures. His journey from local recognition to international acclaim, particularly through hits like “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana,” reflects his substantial contribution to the Afrobeats genre. With the launch of Boyfriend Music and a forthcoming album, CKay’s evolution as an artist continues to generate excitement among fans and industry observers alike.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
