35 years on from its original release Liberian Girl – the 9th and final single to drop from Michael Jackson’s seminal ‘Bad’ album – has been given a sultry reworking for the 21st century thanks to multi-platinum producers, songwriters, and artists B. Howard and David May.
“Liberian Girl” Afro Mix available at: https://lnk.site/liberiangi
Released on May’s GETREEL33 imprint, this Afro House edit of the pair’s recent take on the single is drenched in thundering, throbbing, tropical-style house heat that gives Jackson’s iconic song a modern, dance-floor-friendly twist. On topline duties, B. Howard infuses warm tones of soul and R’n’B into his naturally-leaning pop instincts, while David May delivers energy and drive from deep, reverberating basslines, undulating percussion and glistening synths and FX, used to underpin and update instantly recognizable samples from the original track.
Both artists come to the project on the back of glittering careers in music. A classically trained musician, mix engineer, producer and songwriter David May’s caliber is equally as storied, creating hits not just for himself but some of the planet’s biggest acts including Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Zedd, Bruno Mars, Akon, and Keri Hilson. Son of award-winning US R’n’B and soul legend Miki Howard, B. Howard is American music royalty, producing, writing and performing on multiple multi-platinum and US Top 20 Billboard charting singles. B. has enjoyed much success collaborating with the likes of Ginuwine, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Dru Hill, and Vanessa Hudgens to name a few. By combining forces, the duo delivers a truly beautiful new version of a true Michael Jackson classic, one that should stand the test of time in its own right for years to come.
About David May:
David May’s journey through the music industry has been nothing short of spectacular. With over two decades of experience as a producer for numerous artists across the globe, he carved his path to international stardom in 2009 with the release of his electrifying hit, ‘Superstar.’ This single catapulted him onto the global stage, swiftly ascending the charts worldwide.
For the past 25 years, David May’s imprint on the ‘Pop/Dance’ music genre has been indelible. His music has consistently dominated airwaves, achieving numerous number one and top 10 and #1 chart positions across various countries. Notably, his work has garnered four #1 spots on the prestigious Japanese charts, solidifying his status as a powerhouse in the industry.
David’s collaborative prowess extends far and wide, having collaborated with an impressive array of musical icons including Pitbull, Bruno Mars, Snoop Dogg, Zedd and even Laura Branigan, Taylor Dayne and many others. Whether as a producer, co-writer, or artist, his contributions have left an enduring mark on the music landscape.
As a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, as well as a skilled mix and mastering engineer, David possesses a profound understanding of musical architecture. This innate understanding enables him to seamlessly blend elements from various genres, creating captivating compositions that resonate with audiences worldwide.
His accolades speak volumes about his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. With multiple gold & platinum records, 9x music awards, and numerous chart-topping achievements including U.S Billboard Dance Top 10 placements, David May’s musical prowess continues to captivate audiences globally. From Germany to England, Switzerland to Japan, his impact transcends borders, solidifying his place as a true music industry luminary.
Furthermore, David collaborates with leading IP and IT specialists and prestigious universities worldwide (TH Zürich, #2 after Oxford), to advance music rights administration and develop innovative patented streaming solutions.
About B. Howard:
Brandon Howard, known artistically as B. Howard, emerges as a definitive talent, seamlessly blending the realms of production, songwriting, and electrifying performance. Hailing from the creative epicenter of Los Angeles and Chicago, Howard’s musical journey commenced with a major placement on Ginuwine’s 2003 single ‘Love You More,’ soaring to #23 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
This auspicious start laid the foundation for a series of successful collaborations with esteemed artists including: Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Dru Hill, and Vanessa Hudgens. Embracing his solo artist mantle in 2010, Howard reshaped and featured on the iconic ‘Ke Nako,’ paying homage to Nelson Mandela. This catalyzed a significant deal with Universal Music Japan, leading to the release of his debut album ‘Genesis’ in 2011.
Featuring infectious singles like ‘Super Model’ and ‘Dancefloor,’ the album propelled Howard to the upper echelons of MTV Japan’s Top 20 and earned him the title ‘Prince of Pop’ by HMV Music in 2016. His single ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’ ascended to the #11 spot on Billboard’s Top Dance charts, solidifying his stature in the dance music arena.
Howard’s global impact is further magnified by accolades such as the ‘Astana Dausy Award’ for Best New Artist in 2018 and a rich history of sold-out shows, spanning from Tokyo to Miami. As a global ambassador for Advanced BioDerma, Howard extends his dedication to excellence beyond music, championing health and beauty whilst actively contributing to humanitarian causes, including COVID-19 relief efforts. Rooted in a lineage of diverse musical influences, B. Howard’s journey embodies both solo success and high-profile collaborations, resonating with audiences worldwide. His legacy, characterized by soulful vocals, impeccable production and dynamic stage presence, serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for creativity, promising to influence and inspire the cultural landscape for generations to come.
“The magic continues….Proud of Brandon” – Jackie Jackson, Singer/Songwriter, 2x Hall of Fame inductee & member of The Jackson 5 dynasty
“I built my career off building other people’s careers. I always loved the concept of collaborations because it always expanded your brand bigger than you ever expected. Brandon is a young guy, an entertainer. I’m definitely gonna give him some hits.” – Akon, 5x Grammy Award Winning R&B artist/producer
“A lot of people don’t understand music the way we used to understand it back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s… so now Brandon coming back with real music, I can only say that you’re in for a great, great, magical project. It’s going to blow your mind. As God’s given us a blessing, He’s given us music back again.” – Teddy Riley, 2x Grammy Award winning producer/singer
“It is my profound privilege to be the parent of one of the MEN in this world. I am so very proud of his talent and ability to stay focused. Brandon’s wonderful music will bless you.” – Miki Howard, Grammy Nominated & Soul Train Music Award winning Jazz/R&B singer
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David May
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