B.Howard to release on top South African label
(Johannesburg- November 26, 2010) This month B.Howard will be releasing his debut album ‘Genesis’ in South Africa. The album, which has seen massive success in Japan has been signed to one of South Africa’s biggest independent record labels, Soul Candi Records.
Soul Candi record has extended a warm welcome to the American artist, real name Brandon Howard, who made his transition from writer/producer to performing artist with ‘Ke Nako’— a song which has deep cultural significance in South Africa. The song marked Howard’s transition from successful writer/producer to recording artist. Howard will now release his debut album, ‘Genesis’ in South Africa through one if it’s leading independent labels.
‘Ke Nako’ appeared on ‘Listen Up!’, a FIFA 2010 World Cup charity record, the proceeds of which Howard donated to Alicia Keys’ “Keep A Child Alive” organisation, whose aim is to help AIDS sufferers in India and Africa. The song was originally recorded and performed by South African teacher turned artist J pre at Nelson Mandela’s historical Grande Parade Rally in 1990. B.Howard was sought out to record a cover version of the song which Howard performed alongside global superstar, Wyclef Jean.
“Ke Nako” opened the door for B. Howard to showcase his vocal talents and launch the next stage of his career as a recording artist— a step which will surely be one of the most exciting stories in music this year, the launch of B. Howard’s debut album, ‘Genesis’. “It feels really natural that B.Howard releases ‘Genesis’ on Soul Candi, it’s a perfect fit. The label has a strong youth following and we’re confident that the South African audience will love the album as much as we do” says label manager Nic Burger, who heard the first single off the album, ‘Supermodel’, and set the wheels of the deal in motion.
“Brandon is a huge talent. He has already proved himself as a producer and songwriter and now he’s about to blow up as a singer. It’s very exciting to introduce him to an African audience”, he explains. “The album credits read like an all-star cast, there are world-renowned producers like Teddy Riley and Grammy award winners James Poyser and Benjamin Wright, ?uestlove from The Roots, and mix engineer, Kevin “KD” Davis who has worked with Rhianna, Ne-Yo and Outkast. The music moves effortlessly between pop and R’nB. South Africa is going to love it!”.
Soul Candi Records is a powerful, leading player in the South African music market. The brand began as a tiny basement record store in Johannesburg ten years ago and has grown into one of South Africa’s most innovative and recognisable music brands. The award-winning label boasts some of the most highly regarded producers and DJs in South Africa and has been awarded 3 Multi-Platinum Awards, 6 Platinum Awards and 23 Gold Awards.
About Soul Candi Records – Soul Candi Records is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and is now celebrating a decade of operation. The Soul Candi brand and business, led by Harael Salkow has become a powerful, leading player in the South African music market. Soul Candi has been instrumental in pioneering and establishing an international platform for the unique music culture emerging from our extraordinary South African social structure.
The group now also encompasses not only record label but the Soul Candi Institute of Music, the Soul Candi Studios, our fashion label, Cotton Candi as well as Soul Candi Distribution who hold exclusive import rights for over twenty reputable international record labels.
Passion, innovation and staying on the forefront of new trends and technology has sustained our popularity. In a recent study of South African’s ‘young and trendiest youth’, the Soul Candi brand was highly rated as a thought leader and trendsetter.
www.soulcandi.co.za
About B. HOWARD – B. Howard is irrefutably creating the hottest new sounds in the music scene gaining him national and international recognition as an award-nominated songwriter and producer. His musical strengths are sprung from a long bloodline such as his grandmother, Rock and Roll’s Hall of Fame, Josephine Howard of “The Caravans.” His mother, Miki Howard, was a #1 recording artist with Atlantic Records. B. Howard’s musical proficiencies were further developed through his bond with the legendary Jackson Family. From a very young age, this influential relationship helped shape his imminent career.
As a producer and songwriter, B. Howard has collaborated with artists such as Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Trey Songz, Dru Hill, Jay Sean, Marques Houston, and Lupe Fiasco. He recently produced “Ke Nako” – a song appearing on the Official World Cup Album releasing globally through Sony Music and more importantly, marking his official debut as a recording artist. In 2010, B. Howard has launched his own Entertainment Company, 6 Point Entertainment, with industry vet Jonnie Forster. Through 6 Point’s deal with Universal Records Japan, B. Howard’s heavily anticipated debut album, “Genesis”.
About 6 Point Entertainment – 6 Point Entertainment is a Los Angeles based Entertainment company jointly owned by Producer / Songwriter / Singer B. Howard and Music Industry Vet Jonnie Forster. The company’s first release is B. Howard’s Genesis. 6 Point currently has two recording studios in Los Angeles and a stable of songwriters, producers, and artists to its fledgling roster.
Keep a Child Alive (KCA) is an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic currently ravaging Africa & India. KCA provides treatment, care, support services, nutrition and love to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS through funding clinics and orphan care centers in Africa and India. Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment has transformed the lives of people with AIDS in the West, returning them to health from illness. Please visit www.keepachildalive.org or contact Louise O’Shea at loshea@keepachildalive.org
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Exclusive Worldwide Management for B. HOWARD
No. 4 Entertainment
Jonnie Forster
jonnie@no4ent.com
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South African contact
Nic Burger – Manager F! Records / Soul Candi Records
nic@soulcandi.co.za
