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In a plot twist that’s shaking up the Ghanaian music scene, Kuami Eugene and Lynx Entertainment have parted ways after an impressive eight-year run. Their collaboration, akin to a musical marriage made in heaven, birthed an array of awards, chart-topping hits, and more glitter than your average disco ball. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see what this split means for the future of both parties.
From Rookie to Rockstar: The Kuami Eugene Chronicles
Let’s rewind to 2017, when Kuami Eugene, a fresh-faced gem, was crowned Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ Unsung Artiste. The following year, he clinched the New Artiste of the Year award, and who could forget “Angela”? That song was so infectious, it practically came with a “listen on repeat” warning. Kuami Eugene was adjudged the Most Promising African Artiste by the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA); Kuami ended 2018 on a high with the release of his debut album – Rockstar. The album release was only the beginning as he quickly became the Poster boy for Ghana music. He was the headliner for every and any gig so long as it was major.
He had become so big and prominent that the ocean of his shine and stardom drowned the news of the abrupt exit of MzVee from the label in 2019; after all, what could a label that had top acts dominating an industry do wrong with another! That year, Kuami won the Higlife Artiste and Highlife Song Awards at the 2nd Edition of the 3 Music Awards and went on to win Highlife Artiste of the Year, Producer of the Year and Album of the Year at the VGMAs. A total of 5 awards in a year for a career defining project – “Rockstar” a 13 track 5-star album best described as a classic today.
In 2020, Kuami Eugene released his sophomore “Son of Africa” a 14 track album which had the monster hit – “Open Gate” and the first song in recent times to feature both Shatta Wale and Samini – “Ghana We Dey”. The album also featured Sarkodie, Zlatan, Eddy Kenzo, Falz, Obaapa Christy and Prince Bright. His career was at this stage as bright as the sun and a wish for many an artiste. He featured on several songs and started vigorously writing and producing for many artistes. He had the Midas touch, his productions were doing great and his golden voice made a hit of any track it touched. He became Artiste of the Year at the VGMAs and still dared to take Highlife Artiste at both the VGMAs and 3 Music Awards.
In 2021, Kuami won collaboration of the year with Sarkodie – “Happy Day”, and his song with Keche – “No Dulling” also won Hiplife Song of the year. He went away with Collaboration of the Year at the 3 Music Awards with Keche and doubled as highlife artiste. In 2022, Kuami only managed a win on a song he produced and featured on – Yeeko by Okyeame Kwame which took the Best Hiplife Song at the VGMAs. In 2023, Kuami released his third studio album – “Love and Chaos”. He won NO awards that year but made up for it at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) with a win in the Best Highlife Artiste category as well as Best Music Video. Kuami Eugene had an enviable career with Lynx Entertainment and has exceeded expectations most industry pundits gave him at the start of his career.
Divorcing the Perfect Partner
“When you’re first starting out, you think that joining a major label is the only route that you should take. It takes experience to realise that it’s not the dream. For a lot of people, it’s a dead-end road.” – Kiesza (Kiesa Rae Ellestad)
The music biz is notoriously fickle. A major label is like a golden ticket—but it doesn’t always guarantee a lifetime supply of Wonka bars. In the music industry, discussions about labels, contracts and deals are usually seen as non-glamorous business talk to be kept behind the scenes. But the agreements made in boardrooms are a crucial part of the mechanism by which an artist achieves success, particularly for acts on big labels. Even though it can appear as if an artist is living the dream – topping charts and playing sell-out shows – behind closed doors they might not be necessarily content.
Indeed, the business of music is tough, the music industry is treacherous and seldom gives room for mediocre, does not exactly encourage small beginnings or give room for gradual growth. The industry expects nothing but excellence for a hit which is why it is difficult for an artiste to start and succeed on his or her own. A major label can launch an Artiste’s career with ease because of experience and resources.
It is important here to note, however, that all things being equal, no Artiste in their right senses would just walk away from the goodies of life and at the pinnacle of their careers unless there are underlying challenges. Truth be told, a record deal can launch an artist’s career, but unfair contracts and controlling behavior can destroy it too. Artistes have often spoken out about being trapped in what they say are exploitative, lopsided record deals with their labels.
Even when the contracts are acceptable by artistes and all seem to be going well, there is the question of creative freedom, branding, career paths, release decisions as well as promotional decisions. Indeed, no artiste worth the sort, sane and human would just walk away from a beautiful dream.
The Great Label Exodus: What’s the Deal with Departures?
Lynx Entertainment, since its inception in 2006, has been the Launchpad for numerous successful artists. Among those who rose to prominence under its banner are Richie Mensah, Asem, Eazzy, Ziggy, OJ Black, Irene Logan, MzVee, KiDi, Kuami Eugene, and Dope Nation. As of now, KiDi stands as the sole artist among the lynx greats still signed to the label.
The initial roster of Lynx Entertainment featured Richie Mensah, Asem, and OJ Blaq. Richie Mensah, after a series of releases, transitioned to focusing solely on management duties. Asem, who helped the label gain traction with the hit “Give Me Blow” in 2009, was eventually let go due to “differences in career directions.” OJ Blaq fulfilled his contract but did not receive a renewal.
The label later saw the addition of Eazzy and Irene Logan, but both artists departed under different circumstances. Eazzy left, citing a desire to pursue international opportunities, while no specific reason was publicly provided for Irene Logan’s departure.
MzVee, KiDi, and Kuami Eugene formed the next notable wave. MzVee, having spent eight years with the label—the longest tenure at that time—left while still under contract, citing a need to “re-energize, reconnect with herself, and redefine her artistic expression.” Kuami Eugene, who also spent eight years at Lynx has also choosen not to renew. Currently, KiDi holds the record as the longest-serving artist at Lynx Entertainment, having been with the label for nine years.
The Lynx Legacy: What’s Next?
Lynx Entertainment has seen its fair share of musical prodigies come and go. From Asem to MzVee to Dope Nation, the label has been a veritable rocket platform for many a star. Yet, as each act exits, Lynx seems to grow bigger and more influential. They’ve survived breakups, shakeups, and now, a crucial player leaving the field.
With Kuami Eugene’s departure, Lynx is left with KiDi as its lone remaining star from the old guard. The label, once synonymous with hit-making, now faces the challenge of maintaining its magic without its headline acts.
Furthermore, the script we have come to know since 2006 with the label has been changed; Not only has the label lost its biggest headliners and success stories, it has actually lost all of its management as well. The management has been the “K” in the Lynx lab through it all. The only surviving management member is Richie Mensah, who has also moved from a majority shareholder to one in the minor. Having lost the driving forces of the constant hits and influence, does the label really have a comeback this time?
The new recruits-. Maya Blu, Kasar, Lennon and DSL haven’t exactly set the charts ablaze, leading some to wonder if Lynx’s golden era has dimmed.
Kuami Eugene’s Next Move: Can He Keep the Rock Rolling?
Kuami Eugene is easily one of the most talented artiste Ghana has seen in recent times, however, making a national hit and staying relevant is a totally different ball game. It requires talent, planning, tact, strategy, proper promotion, good contacts and some good cash. Kuami has talent in overdose proportions but does he possess the other qualities required to stay on top?
It is hardly a mystery why every artist who has departed from Lynx has failed. The impressive machine behind Lynx seems to vanish with them. Given that Kuami Eugene has earned a reputation for being somewhat tempestuous, prone to loose talk, and occasionally arrogant, the question remains: will he break the mold and prove to be the exception?
Rumors suggest he might still have connections to Lynx’s old management, but whether he can maintain his star power without their behind-the-scenes wizardry remains to be seen. Will he continue to shine as brightly as he did while at Lynx? Only time—and perhaps a few chart-topping singles—will tell.
So, buckle up, music fans. This split might just be the start of a thrilling new chapter for both Kuami Eugene and Lynx Entertainment. Let’s watch and see how this musical drama unfolds!
