Afrobeats sensation CKay has officially ended his recording contract with Warner Music South Africa, drawing the curtain on a pivotal chapter in his journey as a global music force.
The Nigerian star, who rose to international fame with his smash hit “Love Nwantiti,” confirmed that the decision to part ways was mutual and deliberate. “Every journey has a beginning and an end,” CKay said in a statement.
“My journey with Warner Music South Africa was a very important one, and I’m grateful for everything we achieved together. Now, it’s time for me to explore new energy and new horizons.”
The singer’s partnership with Warner Music South Africa came shortly after “Love Nwantiti” exploded into a global anthem, putting Afrobeats squarely on the international map.
The record made streaming history and turned CKay into one of the most streamed African artists of his generation. With that single alone, he set a new benchmark for Nigerian music abroad, and he currently leads the RIAA list of top-selling Nigerian artists, thanks in large part to the enduring success of that song.
During his time with the label, CKay released two critically acclaimed studio albums: Sad Romance in 2022 and Emotions in 2024.
These projects not only expanded his sound but also established him as a versatile artist who could seamlessly fuse pop, R&B, and Afrobeats into a global blend.
His distinct romantic edge and silky vocals earned him a reputation as a genre-blurring hitmaker and creative risk-taker. “Music for me is about feeling. I try to create worlds that people can live in, love in, cry in,” CKay once said in an interview.
The multi-talented singer-songwriter and producer has amassed over two billion streams across digital platforms. His ability to combine moody instrumentals with emotional vulnerability has helped redefine what global audiences expect from Afrobeats.
In 2024, just before the release of his sophomore album, CKay launched his own label imprint, Boyfriend Music, a move that many saw as the beginning of a new phase in his artistic autonomy.
Now poised to take complete control of his career, CKay’s next moves will be watched closely. With the experience gained from his tenure at Warner and the freedom of an independent imprint, fans can expect even more experimentation and boundary-pushing music.
As he steps into this new chapter, CKay seems ready to build on the momentum he has created and continue crafting the soundscape of modern African pop.
