Beenie Gunter signed to new record label, eyes global breakthrough
By Reagan Ssempijja
When a lineup of dancehall musician Crescent Baguma, alias Beenie Gunter’s upcoming musical projects made rounds on social media, last year, with a host of collaborations with big international musicians, it was clear that he was slightly changing the course of his music trajectory – focusing on tapping into the wider global platform.
As he turned 32, on February 24, Gunter put pen to paper with Zhafar Music Agency, a record label that brings together diverse musical genres, creatives, with the aim of capturing both local and global audiences.
In a press statement after signing with the label, Gunter intimated that “partnering with diverse sounds and creative minds is the only way Ugandan music can break international barriers, and this has always been my belief. I’m confident that my fans both here in Uganda and abroad will appreciate the projects that we are yet to release, going forward,”
Haruna Zhafar, the CEO of the label, added that: “Music is the heartbeat of culture, and at as a label, we are committed to transforming the industry by fostering creativity and collaboration. I am incredibly passionate about working alongside diverse talents who share a vision for innovation and artistic expression. On this special occasion, I am thrilled to have Gunter on board and look forward to creating magic together, alongside other talented artists across all genres.”
The label will, in effect, manage Gunter’s studio recordings, video shoots, media tours, photoshoots, bookings, endorsements, and performances – both local and international.
The event doubled as Gunter’s 32nd birthday celebrations, where he was gifted with three cameras, a phone, and sh10m, to start him off as a freshly signed artist.
This comes at a time when professional labels in Uganda’s music industry are still rather scarce due to several managerial challenges. However, Gunter says that having been part of a record label before, he is confident that his, “new signing will be an opportunity to learn more and grow as an artist,”
Gunter’s catch phrase – “Guntalk city to the world,” is probably coming to life.