Kuami Eugene exits Lynx: The end of a legacy or rise of a new Don?
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
Let’s rewind to 2017. Enter Kuami Eugene, a newcomer who quickly made waves by winning the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMA)’ Unsung Artiste. His breakout year continued with the New Artiste of the Year award in 2018 and the hit Angela was so infectious; it practically came with a ‘listen on repeat’ warning. By the end of 2018, Kuami Eugene’s debut album Rockstar had solidified his status as the new face of Ghanaian music, making him a headliner for major events.
unapparelled luxury
Eugene’s star shone so brightly that it eclipsed the news of MzVee’s abrupt departure from Lynx in 2019. The year saw Eugene winning five awards for Rockstar, including Highlife Artiste of the Year and Highlife Song of the year at the 3Music Awards and Album of the Year at the VGMAs. His debut was hailed as a classic, setting a high bar for his career.
In 2020, Eugene released Son of Africa, featuring the massive hit Open Gate and collaborations with heavyweights like Shatta Wale and Samini. The album’s success earned him the title of Artiste of the Year at the VGMAs, along with other accolades. Eugene’s talent was undeniable, and his ability to produce hits and collaborate effectively made him a sought-after figure in the industry.
By 2021, Eugene was still riding high with Happy Day featuring Sarkodie and No Dulling with Keche, both of which won awards. However, 2022 saw a slight decline in his fortunes, with only a win for his work on Okyeame Kwame’s Yeeko. The following year, despite a lack of awards for his album Love and Chaos, Eugene secured victories at the 25th VGMA now known as Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), winning Best Highlife Artiste and Best Music Video.
The dynamics of leaving a major label
In the unpredictable world of music, major labels are often seen as golden tickets to fame. However, as Kiesza once remarked, joining a major label isn’t always the dream it seems. Behind the glitz and glamour, artistes can face challenges that aren’t always visible to the public eye. The reality is that while major labels can offer a launchpad to stardom, they also come with their own set of hurdles, including restrictive contracts and creative constraints.