This archive report was first published on 15 June 2021.
Bahati's Album Debuts on Times Square Billboard in New York ¶
June 15, 2021
Bahati has made history by becoming the latest East African artist to have his album debut on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York. This achievement is a testament to his growing popularity and influence in the music industry.
Times Square is the world's leading business and tourism center, making it a prestigious platform for artists to showcase their work. Bahati's album 'Love Like This' has already gained attention with the release of two videos from the new album.
However, Bahati's journey to the Times Square billboard was not without controversy. His single 'Fikra za Bahati' received mixed reactions from fans after he dissed various Kenyan musicians on the song, including Sauti Sol, Octopizzo, Khaligraph Jones, Daddy Owen, and Ringtone.
East African artists have been making waves on the Times Square billboard, with Ugandan musician Edrisah Musuuza, also known as Eddy Kenzo, being the first East African artist to feature on the billboard. He holds a special record of being the first ever Ugandan and East African artist to win a BET Award.
Kenzo's achievement paved the way for other East African artists, including Tanzania's Rayvanny, who got his feature in February 2021 with his album 'Sound From Africa.' Former Yamoto Band member Mbosso also became the second Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) signed artiste after his debut studio album 'Definition of Love' got featured in April 2021.
The cost of advertising on Times Square's largest billboard can be steep, with estimates ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 for a day's advert. The billboard is commonly rented in 4-week periods, and the world's most expensive billboard was once put up by Google, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million.
