U.S-based Kenyan entrepreneur and ICT guru Stephen Desmond Aoll has unveiled his state-of-the-art record label and also unveiled three of his first signees.
Desmond, a Kenyan who lives in New Jersey, USA, has been in Kenya for the last three months as he oversaw the setting up of his record label and also scouted for talent.
The label, CMG Records, will be pivoted in Nairobi and will manage the careers of a string of up and coming singers and rappers whose music, careers and activities will be fully managed by the CMG team.
The fully-fledged studios have hired the services of music producer Marvo on the Beat who is the official CMG Records music producer. Renowned video director Richie G is the records’ official video producer.
“I decided to give back to the community by way of supporting arts and talent. I could have decided to channel my energies and money to other projects but I decided to throw my weight behind talented but unknown artists by boosting their careers and changing the face of Kenyan music as a whole, “Desmond said.
Flanked by three of his signees, Beryl Owano, Dogo Skillz and Gospel singer Nakoche, Desmond heaped praise of his talented team of singers who he also said he went out of his way to change their fortunes – not just helping them record music.
“I have approached this business in the strict way it’s done in places like the USA. I have not only allowed them access to high-end music production facilities, I have also ensured that their personal welfare is taken care of by way of renting them furnished apartments, taking care of their dressing and also, putting aside a heavy monthly salary for each one of them, ” he said.
Beryl, who already has made inroads in the Kenyan music industry, has already recorded several songs and is now working on her EP to be released sometime this year.
“I had the option of either doing an album or an EP. I chose the EP way. I have singles that I already have done and they should be released soon. We just want to it in a very brilliant way,” she said.
CMG Records is also doing more than just signing artists and supporting music.
The record label honcho has also been heavily involved in developing the comedy industry and has supported several comedy events and projects by a host of top Kenyan comedians including Captain Otoyo, Tumbili and Oga Obinna.
Last month, CMG Records took a team of over 40 industry players, dancers, singers, producers and other stakeholders for a two-week working trip to Diani where they shot a tonne of music videos and embarked on other ambitious music projects.
“All I can say is, watch this space. We shall lift the state of Kenyan music and we will eventually put Kenya on the global musical map. Our sound is aimed at the international market and we hope to be able to introduce these artists to a bigger audience worldwide,” Desmond said.