GMK (producer)

Last updated
GMK
Born
Abdulqudus King
Alma mater SAE Institute London
Occupations
  • Record producer
  • rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • sound engineer
Parents
Relatives
  • Ikemefuna Nsolo (Half-Brother)
  • Oluwasoladegbin King (Sister)
Musical career
OriginNigeria
Genres
Years active2016–present
Labels

Quddus King well known as GMK, is a Nigerian record producer, sound engineer, rapper, songwriter singer and songwriter. He is best known for producing Bridge's "Needy", and "Searching", Cruel Santino "Gangstar Fear", Lady Donli "Cash", BOJ's "Awolowo", "Bill Up", and "Assignment", and Burna Boy "Different". The Grammy-nominated Best World Music Album African Giant by Burna Boy in 2019, earned him a special recognition from The Recording Academy. [1] He is signed to Warner Chappell Music, and Love Renaissance. [2]

Contents

He is a member of the Monster Boys collective, with Cruel Santino, and music producers Genio Bambino. [3]

Early life

He studied Audio Engineering, in United Kingdom from SAE Institute London. [4]

Career

GMK is an acronym for "Grand Master King". In 2013, he launched his career on SoundCloud, as a rapper, following the release of "Sounds Of The Future", featuring Cruel Santino (credited as Ozzy B) & Yung from the music group L.O.S. On 24 April 2016, he released his extended play Long Live the King, [5] exclusively on SoundCloud, with guest appearances from Odunsi (The Engine), Genio Bambino, Bridge, BrisB, and Cruel Santino. [6] In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Abiola wrote "Long Live The King is a pleasing story-telling work of art by ThatBoyGMK that would leave you wanting more". [6] The Culture Custodian included the extended play in their list of 10 debut projects from 2016 you should bump!, in 2017. [7]

On 16 December 2016, he released "WasteMan", independently on SoundCloud. The music video was released the same day, and directed by Falomo, in Lagos, Nigeria. [8] On 9 February 2017, The Native included the song in their Bumplist of 10 essentials you must-haves this week. [9] On 21 March 2017, GMK released "Coconut lips", featuring Tomi Thomas. [10] On 24 May 2017, he released "Pears & Mangos", [11] and released "OTB", [12] on 23 July 2017. In the same year, he opened for Cruel Santino, and Wavy the Creator, at The Lucid Lemons Curd 2 music and art showcase, held in Lagos, on August 5, 2017. [13] He released "Lagbaja" featuring Odunsi (The Engine), on 20 November 2017.

GMK was on YNaija New Establishment class of 2019. [14] The music video for Odunsi "Star Signs" was directed by The Candles, with cameo appearances from GMK. [15] On 17 February 2021, following the partnership between Warner Chappell Music, and Love Renaissance, Monster Boys collective signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. [2]

Personal life

Quddus King is the son of Kolawole King and the Nigerian actress Carol King. [4]

Discography

Extended plays

List of EPs, with release date and label shown
TitleEP details
Long Live the King

Production discography

Albums produced

ArtistAlbumRelease dateCertificationsLabelNote
Cruel Santino Suzie’s Funeral1 July 2016Immaculate Taste
  • Sound Engineer
  • Co-Producer
Mandy & The Jungle17 May 2019Monster Boy
  • Sound Engineer
  • Co-Producer
Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN3 March 2022 Interscope Records
  • Sound Engineer
  • Co-Producer
M.I Abaga Rendezvous 9 February 2018 Chocolate City
  • Sound Engineer
A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl 24 August 2018 Chocolate City
  • Co-producer
Odunsi (The Engine)Time Of Our Lives2 August 2016
  • Sound Engineer
rare.12 October 2018Kimani Moore Entertainment
  • Executive producer
  • Sound Engineer
Burna Boy African Giant 26 July 2019Spaceship / Atlantic / WMG
  • Co-producer
Lady Donli Enjoy Your Life9 August 2019Makiyayi
  • Co-producer
W I L D30 July 2021Bad Moon
  • Co-producer
DRB LasGidi Pioneers24 April 2020Zero Label Records
  • Co-producer

Accolades

YearAward ceremonyPrizeRecipient/Nominated workResultRef
2020 Grammy Awards Special RecognitionHimself for African Giant Nominated [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomi Odunsi</span> Nigerian actress, singer and songwriter (born 1987)

Tomi Odunsi Fadina is a Nigerian television actress, singer, and songwriter best known for playing "Salewa" in the television series, Tinsel, a popular African soap opera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinall</span> Nigerian disc jockey and record producer

Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, professionally known as Spinall, is a Nigerian disc jockey, record producer, and songwriter. He has released six studio albums and collaborated with artists that have included Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Joeboy among others. He has won numerous awards for his work, including All Africa Music Awards and The Beatz Awards. He is also the first Nigerian disc jockey to play at festivals such as Coachella, SXSW, and Glastonbury.

Chris Alvin Sunday professionally known as Krizbeatz or KrizBeatz the drummer Boy, is a Nigerian record producer best known for producing Tekno his first single "Pana". Ranked 3rd on Pulse Nigeria's 2016 list of "Top 5 Best Nigerian Music Producers", KrizBeatz has worked with Yemi Alade and others including Oyibo Rebel, Skales, Lil Kesh and Koker while also releasing his own single titled "Erima" and the hit single "911" featuring Yemi Alade and Harmonize which further pushed his career to limelight. The song "911" currently has over 20 million views on YouTube.

<i>Rendezvous</i> (playlist) 2018 mixtape by M.I Abaga

Rendezvous is a playlist by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released by Chocolate City on February 9, 2018. The playlist features guest appearances from Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Wande Coal, Falz, Yung L, Dice Ailes, CKay, Nonso Amadi, Santi, Odunsi the Engine, Chillz, Tomi Thomas, Joules Da Kid, Ajebutter22, Terry Apala, Strafitti, Trigga Madtonic, Blaqbonez and UA.x. It also features skits from several radio personalities, including Vic-O, Charles Okocha, Douglas Jekan, Kemi Smallz and Do2tun. Rendezvous was supported by the singles "Your Father" and "Lekki".

Zainab Elizabeth Donli, known as Lady Donli, is a Nigerian musician. She is an alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

The Native is a Nigerian-based music magazine publishing in Lagos. Founded in 2016, The Native focuses primarily on music, style, and art, championing the sounds and culture of tomorrow, today.

Alli Odunayo, professionally known as Telz, is a Nigerian record producer and songwriter known for primarily producing Burna Boy's Grammy award winning album Twice As Tall and Patoranking's 2020 commercially acclaimed hit song "Abule".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Dem Camp</span> Nigerian rap duo

Show Dem Camp (SDC) is a Nigerian rap duo composed of Wale Davies (Tec) and Olumide Ayeni (Ghost)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CKay</span> Nigerian singer and record producer (born 1995)

Chukwuka Chukwuma Ekweani, better known by his stage name Ckay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer signed to Boyfriend Music, Warner Music Africa and Atlantic Records. He was formerly signed to Chocolate City, a member of Warner Music Group independent label services ADA. His international hit single "Love Nwantiti", also known as "Love Nwantiti ", was released in 2019 by Chocolate City.

Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu, better known by his stage name Cruel Santino, is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper and director. He is a member of Monster Boys collective, with music producers Genio Bambino, and GMK. He was signed to Interscope Records, in partnership with Monster Boy, and Warner Chappell Music. Santino's debut into the music scene was met with critical acclaim when he released his studio album Mandy & The Jungle, introducing the alté fashion, and music, into the mainstream, notably with his track "Rapid Fire".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tay Iwar</span> Nigerian record producer

Austin Iornongu Iwar Jnr, known professionally as Tay Iwar, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer, sound engineer and record producer known for his vibrant blend of R&B and Afro-fusion, drawing upon classic Afrobeat, hip-hop, and future sounds. Tay Iwar’s career can often feel longer than it’s been. He was only in his teens when he released his first full-length projects, including 2016's Renascentia. He then rose to wider fame with 2019's Gemini, released with LA-based music collective Soulection.

Alté is a fusion genre of music that combines elements of afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and alternative R&B. The term was coined in the 2010s by Nigerian music group DRB LasGidi, meaning alternative and "individualistic and non-traditional modes of self-expression" through music and fashion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nativeland</span> Nigerian music festival

NATIVELAND is an annual music festival in Lagos, Nigeria, and organized by The Native. The platform was established to bring together the best of pop culture, music, art, food, style, sports, and education in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In 2020, Billboard Magazine named NATIVELAND as one of The Gatekeepers of the Nigerian music industry.

Elomaina Mafeni, known professionally as Aylø, is a Nigerian neo-soul, and alternative R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer. He came into the music scene with an acclaimed mixtape album Insert Project Name, with lead track "wys?", featuring Cruel Santino. The accompanying music video for "wys?", was released on 26 May 2018, in collaboration with Samsung Nigeria, and HelaBase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Native Records (Nigerian record label)</span> Nigerian record label

Native Records is a UK-based Nigerian record label owned by The Native Networks and formed by The Native magazine co-founders Chubbziano and Teezee. In 2022, following the release of the Native Sound System debut long-play Nativeworld on 18 August 2022, the record label was unveiled to the public. The label is home to Teezee, Native Sound System, and Odumodublvck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odunsi the Engine</span> Nigerian Singer-songwriter and record producer (born 1996)

Bowofoluwa Olufisayo Odunsi (born June 7, 1996) known professionally as Odunsi the Engine stylized Odunsi (The Engine) is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer. Odunsi came into the music scene in 2018 with his full-length debut album "Rare" which earned him nominations at The Headies and SoundCity MVP Awards establishing him as a critical figure in the innovative Nigerian Alté music scene, he is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Alte music. In 2019 he was profiled by The New York Times as the new guard of Nigerian music.

<i>Enjoy Your Life</i> 2019 studio album by Lady Donli

Enjoy Your Life is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Lady Donli. It was released on 9 August 2019. The album features guest appearances from Tems, BenjiFlow, Amaarae, SOMADINA, The Cavemen., VanJess, Tomi Thomas, and Solis. After the album's release, she embarked on a two-city concert in Nigeria, and a UK tour, in three cities from 26 January to 4 February 2020.

Teni Zaccheaus JR. better known by his stage name Teezee is an English-Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is one-third of the musical group DRB LasGidi with BOJ and Fresh L. He currently serves as the co-president of NATIVE Records, and co-founder of The NATIVE Networks. He is best known as a pioneer of alté, and credited for the crossover success of Odumodublvck single "Declan Rice".

<i>The Playmaker</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Phyno

The Playmaker is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno, released on 1 November 2016, under Penthauze Music. The album features guest appearances from M.I, Flavour, Onyeka Onwenu, Tidinz, Mr Eazi, Olamide, DeCarlo, 2Baba, Burna Boy, P-Square, and Zoro. Production was handled by Del B, Masterkraft, Major Bangz, Benjamz, Tunex, Chris Stringz, TSpize, and Kezyklef. The Playmaker features singles like "Connect," "Ezege," "Fada Fada," "E Sure For Me," and "Pino Pino," and was predominantly recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The Playmaker is a follow-up to No Guts No Glory (2014).

<i>On a Spaceship</i> 2015 studio album by Burna Boy

On a Spaceship is the second album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Burna Boy. It was released on 16 November 2015 through Spaceship Records and Universal Music Group. The album features guest appearances from Flavour, Kid X, AKA, Wande Coal, Nyanda, Phyno, Da L.E.S, and Wizkid. Burna Boy enlisted notable producers such as Spellz, Emblazon, Deceptikonz, Simba Tagz, J Fem, Sarz, Ell Puto, JayStuntz and Orbeat.

References

  1. 1 2 Iheanacho, Henry (10 July 2020). "Grammy recognizes Nigerian producer, GMK for his work on Burna Boy's African Giant". CorrectNG. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Warner Chappell enters publishing deal with LVRN, home to the Monster Boys". The NATIVE. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  3. "The Monster Home For Monster Boys". MoreBranches. 4 November 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  4. 1 2 Idowu, Oluwamayowa (15 April 2019). "The Alté Playmaker: The GMK Story". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  5. "That Boy GMK - "Long Live The King"". Pulse Nigeria. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  6. 1 2 "ThatBoyGMK's "Long Live The King" is a pleasing story-telling work of art". Pulse Nigeria. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  7. "10 debut projects from 2016 you should bump!". The Culture Custodian 1. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  8. "New Music: GMK – Waste Man". The PGM Club. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  9. "The Bumplist: Migos, J Hus, Eva Alordiah and 7 other must-haves this week". The NATIVE. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  10. "ThatboyGMK - 'Coconut lips' ft Tomi Thomas". Pulse Nigeria. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  11. "GMK Taps Tomi Thomas And Santi For "Pears & Mangoes"". The NATIVE. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  12. "Best New Music: GMK brings chillwave to the block on "OTB"". The NATIVE. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  13. "L.O.S, Idris King, Santi, Odunsi others entertain fans at concert". Pulse Nigeria. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  14. Okolo, Edwin (20 February 2019). "Quddus King, Benita Nnachortam, Jekein Lato-Unah, Mary Edoro: Here is the Y!/YNaija 2019 New Establishment List » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  15. "Odunsi (The Engine) Releases Cameo-Packed Video For 'Star Signs'". The PGM Club. Retrieved 17 May 2022.