WSU ALUMNUS SLAYING SA ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Eleven years ago, Eric Gyimah was a freshman in WSU’s Versatile Broadcasting programme; today he is a label manager for the local division of one of the world’s biggest Entertainment and record label conglomerates, Warner Music South Africa.

Gyimah, who also holds a WSU National Diploma in Journalism, forms part of the team of unsung geniuses who refine the intricate details of rolling out music for international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion, to name a few.

Locally, Warner Music Africa boasts a roster of artists such as Zahara, Kiddo CSA, Nadia Nakai, and Rouge, whose musical projects are also overseen by Gyimah and his team.

“I’m a part of a team that helps projects from the artist’s vision to a point of execution. This would include things such as creative insight  into music videos and the public relations rollout. It also includes submitting the music to radio and music videos to TV channels creating rollout content prior to the release as well as post release. We also just make sure that we are involved in the daily lives of artists and whatever they may need on that day,” said Gyimah.

Before getting snatched by WMSA, Gyimah had spent two years managing Afrosoul megastar, Berita Khumalo.

During this period, the pair, who are both WSU alumni, saw to the release of Berita’s comeback hit, Ndicel’ikiss, and later her SAMA award winning LP, Songs in the Key of love.

In a 2021 social media post, Khumalo fondly wrote: “The past two years Eric handled artiste management and product marketing roles amongst a long list of other duties not in the initial job description. He grew with me and helped me build a strong foundation for my independent record label Assali Music. His creativity, passion and dedication helped me stay accountable not only as an artist but a leader in the company. Though I am sad to have lost my MVP, I am excited for your next steps I know you will bring great value to your new team.”

Gyimah was born and raised in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape. Following his graduation from WSU, he worked for local newspaper, EC Today.

Hungry for greener pastures, he made his way to Johannesburg, where he worked for a company that served brands such as Coca-Cola, Tyger Wheel and Tyre, and Cadbury.

When asked what it took to reach the heights he has, Gyimah responded: “Consistently pushing myself and working hard within every card I was dealt. If you had told me I’d be here today, I possibly wouldn’t have believed you. I say Gods timing and my ethic for hard work got me where I am. I don’t think I’ve ever walked into any room while doing promo runs with Berita where I wouldn’t speak with assurance and constantly treating people with kindness.”

In his own capacity, Gyimah runs Eric by Design, a stylist company, which was responsible for styling Berita’s official music video for Ndicel’ikiss.

Gyimah credits his education for opening the multiple doors through which he has walked and slayed.

“Journalism has opened a lot of doors for me. There are jobs out there beyond the traditional ones that we know that need us. If we continue navigating through our passions and being able to work hard in any field that we choose to. The world is our oyster,” said Gyimah.

By Yanga Ziwele