Coptic uses Ghana to bring true African music to world

Eric Kwabena Matlock is a Ghanaian-born American producer who has
set his eyes on unearthing new talents and helping polish already
existing ones in the Ghanaian hip hop music scene. Eric, also known
as Coptic The Producer shares his vision of African Music with
#TheAfricanDream blog.

In the past Coptic did some production for the late iconic American
rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Biggy Smalls) and says the death of Biggy
really touched home a lot for him because “we hung out in the studio
in the past when he was alive”.

One of the things Coptic says they discussed was about Biggie
wanting to buy the very first beat he made as he says, “I was too
scared to sell it so never did”, down the line into the future Coptic
was managed by Deric Angelette along with Kanye West for 3 years.
“Either way I still believe Notorious was a good guy. Today I have
been able to establish my Ghanaian record label which I call The
Black Star Line on which I already have already signed one Ghanaian
artist names Trey LA aka Selorm.”

Eric says his label is currently finalizing Trey LA’s first mixtape -
The Introduction - due for release in summer 2014. One other thing
that is being wrapped up is a personal project that he has been
working on in the US called Close To My Roots that features US and
African acts on same the records.

Back home on the Ghanaian music scene, Coptic is producing the
Coptic Presents… The Rising Stars Of GH Mixtape series featuring
upcoming artists. This annual project is released on Christmas day
for free download; “Volume III of the project will be ready on
Christmas day of 2014” he says.

There is a lot of talent and potential in Ghana’s music industry,
which is why Coptic returned to establish a partnership with Bless
The Mic, (a hip hop music talent program) to produce an annual
concert based on the mixtape concept he works on.

The concert happens in Ghana during September and it is in its
second year. The 2013 event was an overwhelming success that saw
every major hip hop act in Ghana performing - Sarkodie closed that
year out.

Ghanaian acts that Coptic has produced for include Sarkodie, Dblack
and Kwaw Kese. He has also partnered with Jayso (Skillions) in
producing the latter’s upcoming solo album and with Kwaw Kese &
Madd Time Entertainment in releasing the forthcoming album:
FOREVER. He says other partnerships with major Ghana acts are in
the works.

“Exposing the authentic African sounds and its musicians to the
global music market has always been my desire” says Coptic.
This producer genuinely believes Africa has a strong mix of
respective musical genres and a deep Cultural Rap presence that is
often misunderstood or overlooked in regards to its worldwide
musical influence, something he wishes to change with time.
Source: Oral Ofori