African American pop singer, entrepreneur and label executive Akon has signed Nigerian singer, producer and songwriter Samklef to his KonLive record label.
This follows the 'Lonely' crooner's signing of Nigerian cinematographer and video director Patrick Elis earlier in the year.
"Samklef was signed to KonLive because he is the best all-around entertainer from Nigeria," said Akon who tops the 2017 list of richest African musicians according to Forbes Africa.
" Everything Samklef touches turns to gold and I expect his first single, “Philo” to quickly climb the charts once it is released in 2017."
"Life on the Nigerian streets amidst the harsh survival conditions of the typical African ghetto made me business savvy and a realist," said Samklef. "The opportunity to be part of Akon's camp and learn from the greatest in the music and business world is an honor."
Samklef has worked with a range of Nigerian artists contributing significantly to Wizkid's debut album "Superstar". He has also worked with other acts like Skales, Durella, Ice Prince, Olamide, Sunny Neji amongst others.
"I was one of the producer’s behind RCA record label Wizkid’s path to success," he said. Samklef produced six records on Wizkid’s successful debut album, “Superstar,” that brought him to the limelight.
"My team is very impressed with Samklef's professionalism. He has worked with Sound Factory, Flow Records, Smashers Records, Back 2 Black, Mindfalls, Exp & i360 and S.O & U.," said Rozina Negusei, CEO of En-Treeg Records and Akon's wife. "He is a certified hitmaker with great stage presence and a master at engaging any music-loving crowd."
Samklef who has two albums, a debut titled 'Noni' (2010) and " Nonilising - an International edition (2011) cites Timbaland, Kanye West and Nigerian producer Don Jazzy and veteran pop star 2baba as his influences.
Samklef is signed by Akon's KonLive Distribution and KES Entertainment Record Label, a joint venture partnership with KonLive, En-Treeg and Simcol Entertainment. Simon Guobadia is the chairman/CEO of Simcol Entertainment. The purpose of the partnership is to advance the careers of African and Caribbean talent.
DeMarco is managed by Rozina Negusei of En-Treeg Records in a 360 deal.