D-Black

Biography

Desmond Kwesi Blackmore (born 12 January 1987), known by his stage name D-Black, is an anglophone hip-hop and Afrobeat musician and entrepreneur from Ghana. He has been described as "a successful entertainment mogul"

Early life

D-Black attended Ridge Church School then Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary before the University of Cape Coast to study B.A Economics and University Of Ghana, Legon to study BFA Theatre Arts/Music.

Personal life

D-Black was born to a Ghanaian mother, Adeline Boateng, and a Ghanaian-English father, John Derek Blackmore. He has three children. D-Black has nine siblings.

Career

In 2009, D-Black began his career as an independent artist in the group D-Black & Kwaku T, releasing a group album, Target Practice. In 2010 D-Black and his rap partner both went solo. He went on to release three albums (Music, Love and Life, The Revelation and Lightwork), an E.P (Smoke and Mirrors) and a mix-tape (Hunger & Thirst). He won the 2011 BET Awards.
D-Black has worked with Nigerian artists Davido and Phyno, South African artists Cassper Nyovest and Bucie, and East African artists Vanessa Mdee. In Ghana, he has frequently partnered with Sarkodie, StoneBwoy, and Efya.
D-Black represents Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka as its brand ambassador in Ghana. Additionally, he secured a marketing partnership with Black Sun Energy Drink. He fronts his own Black Avenue Clothing Line. He was the brand ambassador for The Rlg Brand of VIVA phones in the West African Sub Region in 2013.

Black Avenue Muzik

D-Black is the CEO of record label Black Avenue Muzik, with acts including himself, DJ Breezy, S3fa, and music producers Rony Turn Me Up and Paul Noun. Former acts include Joey B, Freda Rhymz, Dahlin Gage, Ms. Forson, Osayo & Nina Ricchie & Wisa Greid. It won record label of the year at the 2018 Ghana - Naija Entertainment Awards in Lagos, Nigeria. and was nominated for the record label of the year at the 2019 Ghana Entertainment Awards in New York.

Black Avenue Clothing

Set up in 2012, this is a design company, marketer and importer of men and women's apparel.

Livewire Events

Livewire Events is an events management company set up in 2015. In 2015 it produced the Bukom Banku vs Ayittey Powers boxing match at the Kumasi Sports Stadium. This included performances from Sarkodie, Shatta Wale and Efya. Other events include the 2018 Kundum Festival Jam in Axim for the Ministry of Tourism.

Black Avenue Films/TV

He produced the film Why Should I Get Married, starring John Dumelo, Maria Nepembe, Princess Shyngle, Eya, Prince David Osei, and The EFGH Show hosted by Peace Hyde in 2015.

Hospitality

D-Black owns Club Onyx, Oasis Lounge and La Maison restaurant..

Albums

Target Practice (2009)
Music, Love & Life (2010)
The Revelation (2012)
Lightwork (2016)
Hunger & Thirst Mixtape (2017)
Smoke & Mirrors E.P (2019)

Singles

"Move" w/ Kwaku T (2009)
Breathe" w/ Kwaku T (2010)
"Somebody" ft. Kwabena Kwabena (2011)
"Get On the Dancefloor" ft. D Cryme (2011)
"Ma Me Five" (2011)
"Asabone" ft. Reggie Rockstone (2011)
"My Kinda Girl" ft. Sarkodie (2012)
"Change Your Life" ft. E.L (2012)
"Vera" ft. Joey B (2012)
"Black Clouds' ft. Waje (2013)
"Conference Call" ft. Kwaw Kese, Sarkodie (2013)
"Woara" ft. Kesse (2013)
"Setewaa D3nky3" (2013)
"Party Gbee" (2013)
"Carry Go" ft. Davido (2013)
"Personal Person" ft. Castro (2014)
"Seihor" w/ Castro (2014)
"Kotomoshi (2015)
"Champ" ft. M.I Abaga (2016)
"Omega" ft. Sarkodie (2016)
"Bottles" ft. Medikal (2017)
"Julie" ft. Bisa KDei (2017)
"Makoma" ft. Mayorkun (2017)
"Nobody" ft. King Promise (2018)
"Badder" ft. Kuami Eugene(2019)
"Dat Ting" ft. Joey B (2019)
"Obiba" ft. Kidi (2019)
"Miracle" (2019)
"Falaa" ft. Medikal (2019)
"Heaven Or Hell" ft. Sefa (2019)
"Stay" ft. Simi (2019)
"Sheege" ft. Gyakie (2021)