Mandela’s 1994 “Theme Song” gets a makeover by B. Howard
MANDELA’S 1994 HISTORIC “THEME” SONG GETS A MAKEOVER BY MULTI-PLATINUM PRODUCER B.HOWARD JUST IN TIME FOR INCLUSION ON THE OFFICIAL WORLD CUP ALBUM; PRODUCER LAUNCHES ARTIST CAREER ON “KE NAKO” SINGING ALONG SIDE GRAMMY FAVORITES WYCLEF JEAN, JAZMINE SULLIVAN, AND SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST J pre.
LISTEN UP! Album to be released through SONY MUSIC worldwide on May 30. B. Howard’s debut album GENESIS releases July 7th through 6 Point Entertainment / Universal Music Group Japan.
(LOS ANGELES – July 5, 2010) – As the World’s attention turns to South Africa for the World Cup, one song from the LISTEN UP! – The Official World Cup Album, strikes a deep cord with the native Africans and that’s “KE NAKO.” Originally recorded and performed by South African teacher turned artist J pre at Nelson Mandela’s historical Grande Parade Rally in 1990, the song needed a facelift in order to be relevant to a global audience.
J pre sought out R&B / Pop producer B. Howard (Ne-Yo, Missy Elliot, Ginuwine) to bring a contemporary sound that would attract contributions from other International artists. B. Howard reminisces when he got the call, “What an honor yet what pressure. I have worked with great artists before but this was Mr. Mandela’s song. The one that made him dance. We needed to make an anthem that the stadiums would embrace as well as make Mr. Mandela proud. ”
And that’s just what was delivered. Four minutes and four seconds of unity and adulation. The revamped “KE NAKO” drew the attention of multi-Grammy Award Winning Wylcef Jean and 5-Time Grammy Nominee Jazmine Sullivan. As LISTEN UP! is a charity record, B. Howard is donating all of his record and producer royalties to Alicia Key’s “Keep a Child Alive” organization. B. explains, “My team tried very hard to get Alicia on “Ke Nako” but scheduling didn’t sync up. However in doing so, I was introduced to her great work in Africa through her “Keep A Child Alive” charity so it is an honor for me to help support this worthy cause.”
“KE NAKO” also opened the door for B. Howard to showcase his vocal talents and launch the next stage of his career as a recording artist. Singing the second verse with Wyclef, the World Cup global platform will serve as the introduction to what will surely be one of the most exciting stories in music this year, the launch of B. Howard’s debut album, GENESIS.
6 Point Entertainment, a venture between Howard and his Manager, Industry Vet Jonnie Forster, recently inked a deal with Universal Music Group to release the set on July 7th in Japan, a market that Howard has had tremendous success in as a producer and a songwriter. Within the last year, B Howard landed two Top 5 singles including the most recent hit “Truth,” a collaboration with Ne-Yo for the group W-Inds.
Forster states, “A talent like B. Howard comes along once in a generation. Being able to produce, play, write, and sing at the highest levels, we had to take it all the way. Managing Director of Universal Music Japan, Kimi Kato explains, “I signed B. Howard not because of his background. I felt the natural aura of a superstar when I first met him and after listening to some of his demos I only followed my instinct. It was that simple.” Forster adds, “Kimi made it clear to us that Universal had the passion and dedication to bring it home.”
B. Howard did not take the journey alone, he brought along some very special people to complete GENESIS. The first single “SUPERMODEL,” is definitely a family affair featuring Kaitlen Howard (daughter of Miki Howard and B.’s sister) and Genevive Jackson (daughter of Jackson 5 Member, Randy Jackson). Legendary Producer and long-time friend Teddy Riley contributed production work on several songs including club favorite, “Electric Lights.” Teddy confesses, “I am so proud of Brandon. I have watched him grow up in front of my eyes, absorbing everything in all of the Dangerous Sessions he attended. I know he is about to shock the world. I wanted to be part of it.”
Another sure stand out is “Dancefloor” – a song that will satisfy real music lovers especially since Grammy Award Winning Producer James Poyser contributes on keys and bass, ?uestlove from THE ROOTS is masterful on drums, and Grammy Winning Arranger Benjamin Wright brought his orchestra to collectively create an instant classic. ?uestlove remarks, “He’s an extraordinary talent. It’s almost as if an unspoken spirit has blessed him. I consider it an honor to have worked with this man. Enjoy the journey.” Poyser adds, “…a true talent, someone who is new and different, but at the same time can be considered classic.”
Mix Engineer, Kevin “KD” Davis (Rhianna, Ne-Yo, Outkast) who mixed half of Genesis enthused, “I haven’t been this excited about the release of an album since I mixed Outkast’s ‘Stankonia.’ ”
The good news is the wait was short lived as GENESIS debuted through 6 Point Entertainment / Universal Records this summer.
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. The album will be released in Japan, South Africa, India, and other markets before making its stateside debut.
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 has recently signed songwriters, producers, and recording artist KAMILAH to its 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
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Jonnie Forster
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