Meet the Economics graduate who has become one of Ghana’s successful music business entrepreneur.
“Music — what a powerful instrument, what a mighty weapon!” – Maria August von Trapp.
Music has indeed been a powerful instrument of success for this seasoned entrepreneur of Black Avenue Muzik.
Born Desmond Kwesi Blackmore on 12 January 1987 to Derek Blackmore and Adeline Boateng, D-Black as his stage name goes is a multiple award-winning hip hop afrobeat artist, a successful business entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and an executive producer.
Early life and Career
D-black began his formal education at Ridge Church School and later furthered his education at Pope John Secondary School & Jnr Seminary. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree at the University of Cape Coast and a degree in BFA Theatre Arts/ Music at the University of Ghana, Legon.
In 2009, D-Black kicked off his music career as an independent artist with fellow rapper Kweku T. Together, they released their debut album ‘Target Practice’. Their singles “Move” and “Breathe” cemented them amongst Ghana’s rap elite.
In 2010, he embarked on a solo journey, releasing the album Music, Love & Life. Soon D-Black became a household name.
In 2011, he won Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards 2011 for the album’s single “Get on the Dance Floor.
Within six (6) years, D-Black had churned out chart-topping hits including Vera, Change Your Life ft. EL, My Kinda Girl ft. Sarkodie, Personal Person and Seihor with Castro, Get on da dancefloor, Somebody ft. Kwabena Kwabena, Red Card, Kotomoshi among others.
Outside the world of music, D-Black is the CEO of the multimedia firm “Black Avenue Works” which focuses on product/brand marketing, celebrity advertising, entertainment consultancy, corporate & social events.
Black Avenue Works has several subsidiaries, which includes:
• Black Avenue Clothing: A clothing design company established in 2012 by D-Black
• Black Avenue Muzik: an independent record label and music distribution outlet
• Livewire Events: an events management company founded in 2015 by D-black and his road and business managers that produce social and corporate events.
• Club Onyx: a plush nightclub located in the heart of Cantonments.
• Oasis Lounge: a plush pool and lounge also located in Cantonment
Recognition and awards
D-Black has received several awards and recognition. In 2013, D-Black was the brand ambassador for The Rlg Brand of VIVA phones in the West African Sub Region.
He is also the official brand ambassador for Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka in Ghana.
Other awards include:
2009 – Channel O Music Video Awards for Best West African
2010 – Ghana Music Awards Hip-Hop / Hip-life for Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year
2010 – Museke African Music Awards for Music Video of the Year
2010 – African Music Awards, London for Music Video of the Year
2010 – Channel O Music Video Awards, South Africa for Best Hip-hop and Best Music Video
2010 – Sound City Music Awards Nigeria for Best Collaboration and Best New Video; Believe
2010 – 4SYTE Music Video Awards for Best Overall Video; Best Storyline in a Video, Breathe; Best Directed Video, Breathe; Best Collaboration in a Video Breathe, and Best Group Video
2011 – Ghana Music Awards for Hip hop/ Hip-life Artist of the Year
2011 – BET Awards for Best International Artist of the Year (Africa)
2011 – Ghana Gospel Industry Awards for Alternate Gospel Song of the Year
2011 – Channel O Music Video Awards for Best African West
2011 – 4Syte Music Video Awards for Best Photography in a Video
2011 – Music Video Awards for Best African Act
2011 – Ghana Hip-hop Awards for Male Hip-hop Artist of the Decade
2011 – The Next Big Thing Award for Hip-hop album of the Decade
2012 – Ghana Music Awards for Hip-hop Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year, Album of the Year
2012 – HSH Award for Most Influential Artist
2012 – Hip-hop World Awards for Best International Artist
2012 – Channel O Music Video Awards for Best West Africa video
2012 – MTN 4SYTE Music Video Awards for Best Collaboration
2013 – Ghana Music Awards for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year
2013 – Ghana Music Awards UK for Song of the Year, and Collaboration of the year
2013 – Channel O Music Video Awards for Best Africa West
2015 – Ghana Music Awards for Hip-life Song of the Year
2016 – 4Syte Music Video Awards for Male Video of the Year
2016 – 4Syte Music Video Awards for Hiplife Video of the Year, Best Directed Video of the Year, and Most Influential Artist of the Year
2017 – Ghana Movie Awards Soundtrack the Year
2017 – 4Syte Music Video Awards for Hiplife Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and Photography Video of the Year
2018 – Entrepreneur the Year at the 40 Under 40 Awards
2019 – Ghana Entertainment Awards Awards for Artist / Entrepreneur of the Year
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