MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberian businessman and music executive George Canue, popularly known as New Money 001, has opened up about his longstanding connection to music, emphasizing that his involvement in the industry began long before his emergence as a successful entrepreneur.
Canue said music has been an important part of his life since before the wealth, business ventures and public recognition associated with him today.
He explained that his personal experience as an artist has shaped his understanding of the music industry and the challenges faced by emerging musicians.
“Music has always been part of me. I understand the artist’s life because I have lived it myself,” Canue said.
Today, Canue is the owner of King’s Record, a Liberian music label established with the ambition of discovering and developing emerging talents while creating greater opportunities for Liberian musicians.
According to him, the label is designed to identify promising young artists, provide investment and professional development, and help position Liberian music for wider international exposure.
“I created King’s Record because I want to discover young talent, invest in artists, develop them professionally and help take Liberian music to the world,” he stated.
Canue said his hands-on involvement in music has sometimes led people to suggest that he appears more like an artist than some of the musicians he intends to sign.
However, he said his approach is informed by his own experience and understanding of the demands associated with building a career in music.
He also referenced Nigerian music executive Don Jazzy, whose career evolved from working as a musician and producer to becoming a prominent music executive and the founder of Mavin Records.
For Canue, the music industry offers artists opportunities that extend beyond performing. He believes musicians can also become entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, producers and label executives capable of creating opportunities for others.
His vision for King’s Record therefore goes beyond signing artists. He wants the label to serve as a platform for talent discovery, professional development and investment in Liberia’s creative industry.
Canue said his broader objective is to contribute to the development of a stronger music ecosystem in Liberia where talented young people can receive the resources, guidance and professional opportunities needed to build sustainable careers.
“An artist can become more than just a performer. You can become a builder, investor, mentor and label owner,” he said.
With King’s Record, Canue is positioning himself not only as a participant in Liberia’s music industry but also as an investor seeking to help shape its next generation of artists and executives.
