![]() “If I’m being honest, we didn’t know if he was going to care who we were,” Eshak says, sitting in the Island Records office in Manhattan. So when Eshak and Majid finally made it down to visit Blackwell, 85, for a few days in December, it was with a nervousness that comes with meeting a titan of industry, one who not only shaped the music business of his era, but was an inspiration to many who came after.Ĭhris Blackwell, Angélique Kidjo and Arvo Pärt Celebrated as Laureates at Sweden's Polar Music Prize An idyllic property, GoldenEye is also steeped in history - not unlike Island Records itself, the legendary label home to the likes of Bob Marley & the Wailers, Cat Stevens, U2, Roxy Music, Melissa Etheridge, Grace Jones, Steve Winwood and countless others during Blackwell’s tenure. The duo finally got the chance over the holidays, heading down to Blackwell’s Jamaican resort GoldenEye on the island’s north coast, so named because it also happened to be the place where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond books through the 1950s. But there was one thing on the to-do list that was of paramount importance: meeting Chris Blackwell, the iconic mogul and businessman who founded Island more than 60 years ago in Jamaica and shepherded it through its glory years in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s before leaving the company. Read on to find out about Beese’s newly announced venture.When Justin Eshak and Imran Majid accepted their new roles as Island Records’ co-CEOs last year, the duo had plenty to prepare for. Majid & Eshak will replace former Island President & CEO Darcus Beese, who in February announced he was stepping down to return to his native UK. We’re thankful to Sir Lucian for this opportunity and we can’t wait to get started working with Island’s artists and staff.” Imran and I look forward to carrying on that legacy by placing a long-term commitment to developing artists and cultivating a diverse roster motivated by creative and commercial success. This is an incredible time to return to UMG and we can’t wait to get started.”Įshak commented, “Throughout its history, Island Records has been the preeminent home for cutting-edge and independent-minded artists. We simply love music and discovering artists with a new sound or perspective. During our careers, Justin and I have not only developed a bond of trust between the two of us, but we have cultivated that trust throughout our relationships with artists, managers and producers. Majid said, “Justin and I are thrilled to lead Island Records into the future and we’re looking forward to working with the label’s existing roster of iconic artists, as well as helping to break Island artists of the future. With a well-earned reputation as creative A&R executives, marketers and strategists, Imran and Justin are progressive, modern record executives who will harness Island’s DNA as they navigate the label into the future.” Majid and Eshak will be based at Island’s New York headquarters and report to UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, who said, “Island Records has a long, successful track record of discovering, nurturing and breaking some of the most iconic artists in the world. ![]() The appointment marks a return to UMG for Majid and Eshak, who met at UMG’s Republic Records in 2004 where they worked as A&R executives. ![]() ![]()
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