Blaq Diamond and Jay Clef have released the music video for the smash joint single, “Ballin”.
The music for the single which unites the unique music styles of the two Hitz Empire label-mates into a thumping Afrobeat and Dancehall infusion, was directed by the incredible Clarence Peters.
Blaq Diamond, real name Philip Haruna is an Accra-based Dancehall/Reggae artist from Kaduna State, Nigeria. He started singing in the choir at age 10 at Living Faith Church, Kaduna. In 2007, he began making music professionally as a solo musician. He was signed on to a label called Web Media in Kano State, as producer/artiste for a period of 1 year. He was later signed on to State of Mind Entertainment in Lagos, Nigeria where he produced an album.
He moved to Ghana in 2013 and got signed on to Boom Entertainment where he doubled as a producer and artistes. He produced for himself and other artistes under the label. In 2015, he and his brother Stephen Ahundu (a.k.a Emperor) started Hitz Empire where he currently serves as the company’s executive, producer and artiste. Blah Diamond’s influences include Jefta (he taught him to play the piano), 2face Idibia, Eedris Abdulkareem, Daddy Showkey, Yellow Man and Jesse Jagz.
Jay Clef, real name Patrick Abdulai Leelow Koroma on the other hand comes from Kenema, Sierra Leone, and is also based in Accra. He started his music professionally at age 14 with Nu Afrika Records at Spintex Road, Baatsona Total in Accra Ghana. He and five other friends started a music movement with Ball J as their music instructor and sound engineer. Later moved to Nigeria in 2008 where he improved his music skills and gained better knowledge of the music business.
In 2011, he returned to Ghana and got signed on to Boom Entertainment in 2012 as the label’s first artiste. He was put to a test to record 50 songs in 2 weeks, which he did effortlessly and got promoted for the first time in his home country Sierra Leone by the label. He performed at major shows in Sierra Leone and in Nigeria (Calabar Carnival) amongst others. After seeing through his contract with Boom Entertainment, Jay Clef decided not to renew the contract for personal reasons.
In 2015, Jay Clef signed a new recording deal with budding record label Hitz Empire, where here he has since further developed his skills. His influences include Fela Kuti, 2face Idibia, Obrafuor, M.I, Jimmy B.
Jay Clef hopes to establish himself as a world class music brand. He also hopes to start and run a foundation that takes care of aged people in Sierra Leone and later expand to other African countries. His ultimate aim is to re-brand/revamp the African culture to make the youths of his time and the future believe in and love their cultural heritage – learn to speak their languages, know about their history.
Follow Hitz Empire on twitter
Hitzempire – @hitzempire
Blaqdiamond – @blackdiamond234
Jay clef – @iam_jayclef .
