CKay and Warner Music South Africa Part Ways: Artist Poised for New Horizons

In a notable development within the African music landscape, the globally acclaimed Afrobeats artist CKay has officially concluded his recording agreement with Warner Music South Africa after a fruitful three-year tenure.

The announcement, made on Friday, April 18th, 2025, signals the end of a significant chapter for the creator of viral sensations like “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana.”

Both CKay and Warner Music South Africa have confirmed that the decision not to renew the contract was a mutual and strategic one. Expressing his gratitude for the journey, CKay stated,

“Every journey has a beginning and an end, and my journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one which I’m grateful for. Now it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons.”

CKay’s partnership with Warner Music South Africa, commencing in November 2020, proved to be a catalyst during the global surge of his hit single “Love Nwantiti.” The track achieved unprecedented success, earning multi-platinum certifications across numerous countries, including an impressive 8x Platinum in the United States. His time with Warner Music South Africa further cemented his status as a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre, amassing over 2 billion streams worldwide and propelling the sound to a broader international audience.

Building Independence: The Launch of Boyfrnd Music Ltd
Significantly, prior to his departure from Warner Music South Africa, CKay took a proactive step towards greater autonomy in August 2024 by establishing his own music management and publishing company, Boyfrnd Music Ltd. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with a US subsidiary, Boyfrnd Music LLC, this venture was co-founded with his long-time friend and manager Joseph Salubi.

The vision behind Boyfrnd Music is to cultivate a transparent and supportive ecosystem for artists, songwriters, and producers, prioritizing fair royalty distribution and delivering comprehensive management services. This strategic move indicates CKay’s commitment to fostering talent and potentially shaping the future direction of his own career.
Looking Ahead:
The music industry is now keenly observing CKay’s next steps following the conclusion of his agreement with Warner Music South Africa. Industry insiders suggest that a significant announcement from the artist could be imminent, hinting at new music and a potentially evolved artistic direction.
Potential Paths for CKay:

BREAKING🚨: Ckay exists Warner Music. pic.twitter.com/ZGwJqwh1fT

— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) April 18, 2025

• Independent Releases via Boyfrnd Music: CKay could opt to release his future music under the banner of his own label, Boyfrnd Music, gaining greater creative control and ownership.
• New Label Collaboration: He might also be considering a new recording partnership with another major international label, potentially seeking a different strategic alignment for his global ambitions.
• Focus on Artist Development: CKay could dedicate a significant portion of his energy to nurturing and promoting emerging talent through Boyfrnd Music.
  Regardless of the specific path he chooses, CKay’s departure from Warner Music South Africa marks the end of a successful chapter and the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new phase in his already remarkable career. Fans around the globe eagerly await his next musical offerings and the unfolding of his vision with Boyfrnd Music.