Published: July 22, 2024
MONROVIA — United States of America’s Global Music Distribution Company, DistroKid, has entered into a significant marketing deal with Liberia’s international musician, KingBlack Hayes.
The US-based Liberian musician signed the deal, spanning over fifty years, with the global music distribution company ahead of the official release of his new album titled “OK.” This album marks KingBlack Hayes’ return to the music industry after a prolonged hiatus and is set to be released on July 29, 2024.
Through this deal, KingBlack Hayes’ new album and future releases will be marketed and distributed by DistroKid and streamed on all internationally recognized digital streaming platforms. DistroKid, an independent music ecosystem with over two million users, enables artists to get their work on digital streaming platforms.
According to the deal, DistroKid will serve as the sole distributor of KingBlack Hayes’ music to all major digital streaming platforms, including Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, MediaNet, TikTok, iTunes, Instagram/Facebook, Jook, Kauck, Boomplay, and Audiomack, among others. The deal also grants DistroKid the right to collect and secure royalties on all digital streams and other forms of usage under intellectual property law for the Liberian musician.
Songs on the new album “OK” include “OK (Cover Song),” “Lolo,” “Don’t Play Foul (Remix),” “Come Back to Me,” “LIB Enjoyment,” and “Padee.” In 1989, KingBlack Hayes, a former member of the Hayes & Harvey Record, released his first hit song titled “Don’t Play Foul” in Liberia. The song, performed in complete Liberian Koluqua, has won him lasting admiration among music lovers in Liberia.
KingBlack Hayes’ debut hit in 1989 established him as a prominent artist in Liberia from the early 90s to the early 2000s. His unique Gbehma music and Koluqua singing style kept him at the top of playlists, earning him respect and celebrity status in the Liberian music industry. In 2000, he released his second hit, “Dugbormah,” which became a sensation throughout West Africa and was listed as the 18th most played song on the BBC African Chart.
After the Liberian civil crisis, KingBlack Hayes transitioned into the film industry, where he acted in several national and international films and served as Vice President for Administration at the Liberia Movie Union before moving to the USA in 2019 to continue his career.
In an interview from the USA, KingBlack Hayes described “OK” as his first official EP marking his return to the music industry. He emphasized that the deal with DistroKid shows that Liberian music can gain global attention if artists consider the world as their audience. He encouraged upcoming artists to ensure their songs are well-packaged and recorded to achieve international recognition.
KingBlack Hayes also announced initiatives to impact the Liberian entertainment industry through his new album “OK,” including a TikTok Dance Challenge worth one thousand US dollars, music concerts, and collaborations with upcoming artists. These activities aim to help upcoming entertainers gain international recognition and improve their careers.
The superstar highlighted the importance of mastering one’s unique style, whether Gbehma, HipCo, TrapCo, Reggae, or standard, to explore and succeed in the music industry. He noted that while Koluqua is a signature of Liberian music, artists should sing in their preferred style to add a unique taste to Liberian music.
KingBlack Hayes’ new album promises a mix of unique styles and lyrics, with Gbehma (Koluqua) taking the highest portion. He looks forward to impacting the Liberian entertainment industry through various activities and collaborations.
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