In a quiet yet significant move on July 21, 2018, George Imadiyi, affectionately known in the music realm as Gmoney Imadiyi, started something special. An unassuming yet promising venture – Keymaker Records. While not a household name yet, Gmoney Imadiyi’s passion for music and his hometown, Benin City, Edo State, propelled him to establish this grassroots record label with a distinct purpose.
With an honest desire to uplift and showcase the often overlooked aspects of Benin City’s culture, Gmoney Imadiyi embarked on a mission to counter the prevailing narratives about his city. He recognized that Benin City had so much more to offer in terms of artistic diversity, and Keymaker Records was conceived as a conduit for these unpolished gems to shine.
Driven by a sincere aspiration to empower independent artists, Gmoney Imadiyi envisaged Keymaker Records as a platform for emerging talents to find their footing. Imadiyi’s belief in the transformative power of music extends to his dedication to provide indie artists with the tools and resources needed to share their stories, influence change, and contribute to the world’s growth.
The moniker “Keymaker Records” carries a poignant message – the label’s mission is to unlock doors of opportunity that might have remained closed for these burgeoning talents. It is an ode to the untapped potential that Benin City holds and reflects Imadiyi’s commitment to opening pathways for artists who may not have had access to traditional avenues.
Imadiyi’s approach is a modest departure from the traditional music industry trajectory. He recognizes that while he may not have the global recognition of some artists, his grassroots efforts can still serve as a stepping stone for indie musicians. Keymaker Records is an embodiment of his aspiration to be a facilitator of dreams, acting as a bridge between the aspirations of African artists and the broader world.
The establishment of Keymaker Records is not merely a passing phase; it’s a mark of Gmoney Imadiyi’s commitment to nurture indie talents. With the label, he hopes to challenge the status quo, prove that even lesser-known artists have stories worth telling, and contribute to the wider tapestry of the music industry.
In a landscape often dominated by glitz and glamour, Keymaker Records stands as a quiet testament to the power of passion and the potential to create change from the ground up. While Gmoney Imadiyi’s name might not resound through the mainstream yet, his determination to amplify the voices of his city’s artists sets a poignant example of how every effort counts in shaping the music world, one heartfelt lyric at a time.