As we step into the future of the music industry, it’s essential to look back on the legends who shaped the landscape. One such icon is Chaka Khan, who continues to break barriers and redefine the norms. Seven years ago, Chaka Khan Enterprises and Management the release of Billboard magazine’s Stars Tribute issue, dated March 23, to coincide with the music icon’s 60th birthday and the 40th anniversary of her illustrious career. The issue introduced the concept of Augmented Reality in print media, an innovation that changed the game. This blog post takes a look back at that momentous occasion, highlighting the significant milestones of Chaka’s career and celebrating her relentless spirit of innovation.
Chaka Khan and the Revolution in Print Media
The March 23 issue was a significant milestone not only for Chaka Khan but also for Billboard magazine, as it was their first issue featuring Augmented Reality. This innovation, facilitated by the Printergize app, brought print to life and bridged the gap between print media and digital marketing. Consumers could simply scan the target object with the app, and the content would come alive, providing an engaging and interactive experience. This innovative approach was embraced wholeheartedly by Chaka Khan Management, further cementing Chaka’s reputation as an always ahead of the curve.
The 100 Days of Chaka Campaign
The Augmented Reality feature enabled users to be directed to www.chakakhan.com where they could follow the 100 Days of Chaka campaign. This campaign celebrated the 100 days leading from Chaka’s birthday (March 23) to the anniversary of her first recorded with Rufus, Rufus (July 1, 1973), marking 40 years since its release. The timeline highlighted a series of historic moments in Chaka’s career, mixed with celebratory current events, and culminated with the release of The iKhan Project: Alive! The Commemorative Edition, in stores on July 2.
A Year of Celebrations and Releases
Chaka’s 40th-anniversary celebrations included the release of a series of music projects recorded in eight genres including R&” target=”_blank”>;B, pop, jazz, gospel, rock, country, classical, and dance. The first installment of The iKhan Project: Alive! was recorded live at the legendary Henson Studios in Los Angeles, where Chaka was one of a few resident artists. The music icon celebrated her 60th birthday with exclusive events held in Los Angeles (March 21), Miami (March 23), and New York (March 26).
Looking Forward
Chaka’s 40th anniversary also saw the release of her jazz project, The iKhan Project: Jazz, produced by Grammy® award-winning producer Robert Glasper. The , released on Bluenote Records, was a part of a year-long celebration that saw Chaka launch the I’m Every Woman World tour, produce her own television specials, release an updated version of her memoir, Through The Fire, relaunch her website, www.chakakhan.com, relaunch her signature gourmet chocolates, Chakalates, and launch her Khana Sutra candles, among other exciting surprises.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chaka Khan’s musical journey and her continued influence on the industry. #ChakaKhan #MusicIndustry #Legend #Innovation #LiveMusic
