The Sunday News
Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
SPAIN-based Zimbabwean artiste-cum producer Ryan Koriya has launched a record label whose aim is to capacitate musicians the world over.
Harare-born and former Prince Edward High School pupil, Koriya now based in Ibiza, Spain, recently launched Runway Vertical Records and an Artist Mentorship programme meant to empower artistes in music.
“On the backdrop of international, Ryan Koriya is pleased to announce the launch of his independent record label Runway Vertical Records. The record label serves as a full circle moment for an authentic career as a one-man band,” said Koriya.
With 2 EPs and some few singles such as Drowning In Space and Dark Days to his name, Koriya manages his own music and feels starting an independent record label will not only empower him but other artistes in marketing their music.
“I’m also proud to announce new roles as a music consultant and artiste development mentor using wealth of experience from the industry to help artistes the world over navigate the ever-evolving and complex music business,” said Koriya.
“Runway Vertical Records is the product of years of self reflection, trying different avenues and ultimately realising that the Ryan Koriya brand is best represented through a distinctive platform that also represents other brands with a similar vision,”
Koriya likens being an artiste to flying an aeroplane where the singer relies on the benevolence of a producer and promoter to rise.
He says by creating an independent label, “I’m essentially guaranteeing that my music gets access to a runway so it can take off and fly at any time that I choose and as many times as I need. It’s a very empowering feeling and that is why part of my mission is to empower fellow artistes the world over to do the same for themselves.”
The record label got off to a start with new signings namely “I See Hearts” which is a persona for Passion Folk music, a Passion Pop as well as a personal deal for Koriya himself.
He is also working on a track Who Am I which is soft reggae ode to Zimbabweans’ love for dancehall music with suggestive Bob Marley tune. Koriya has been in the music industry for 15 years and has toured over 12 countries on average annually over the past six years. He has shared the stage with the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi and dance music legends Bob Sinclar and Roger Sanchez in Ibiza, Spain. He has performed at Zimfest, Miombo Magic, Rock Down Harare and the Vic Falls Carnival among other shows.—@ncubeleon
