Ghanaian producer Coptic signs US distribution deal

Coptic, who is based in the US, was born and raised in Ghanaian cities Accra and Kumasi. He left the country as a teenager and has worked with such artists as P. Diddy (formerly known as Puff Daddy), Notorious BIG and Usher Raymond. His company, The Black Star Line, is focused on bringing African stars to the attention of the world.

eOne Music (Entertainment One Music) is an independent record label involved in music publishing and distribution in North America. According to Billboard, eOne Music has grown to become "North America's largest independently owned and distributed record label."

The establishment partners with Universal Music Group for European distribution. American artists Ashanti, The Game, Brian McKnight and DJ Drama are some of the artists currently distributed by eOne.

“I always talk about how African artists need to be given the right opportunities and paid properly for their work,” said Coptic, whose real name is Eric Kwabena Matlock. "This is one of the necessary steps to achieve such a dream. This will give the African artist the opportunity to be promoted and marketed by a US based branding powerhouse and learn the business of music.”

According to eOne, “We are truly excited to be able to give this opportunity to Coptic to showcase the best talent out of Africa. As the music marketplace is expanding globally, we are looking forward to delivering the diverse content that is currently coming out of Africa.”

In related news, Nigerian popstar Davido signed a deal with RCA Records, a label under Sony Music, recently.