Alonzo Black is a distinguished figure in the music and technology sectors, renowned for his multifaceted expertise and leadership at Zobe Entertainment Inc. and ZobeLab, Inc. Since 2001, he has been the owner and founder of his multimedia and entertainment company, where he has been instrumental in managing various aspects of the business, including promotions, public relations, marketing, advertising, scouting talents, artist development, photography, videography, graphic design, website design, fashion design, event coordination, and dealing with all aspects of technology.
The early years of his life as a model and musician playing numerous instruments in a variety of bands led to the creation of Zobe Models & Talents Agency in 2001. Besides his entrepreneurial ventures with the agency and managing talents, Mr. Black expanded with the industry as a talented fashion designer who has showcased Zobe Fashions at numerous fashion weeks and showcases, including New York Fashion Week, D.C. Fashion Week, Maryland Fashion Week, and Virginia Fashion Week. He has even co-produced a number of fashion shows and fashion week events. He also has a line of shoes manufactured in Italy called Zobe Shoes. He was selected as a candidate for International Designer of the Year by a national/international magazine publication. Zobe Models & Talents Agency and Alonzo Black had formed a partnership with the Essence Pageant, judged a number of other pageants as well, and has even judged within the national pageant system.
Since then, Mr. Black has been at the helm of Zobe Records as the company's founder, senior director of artists and repertoire, and chief executive officer. His vision for the label has been pivotal in shaping its direction and success as an independent record label with major label distribution and becoming a one-stop shop for the music industry with a growing roster of music artists, producers, engineers, songwriters, and disc jockeys. In addition to his professional prowess in this sector, Mr. Black has expanded Zobe Records becoming a member of ASCAP with its own publishing company "Alonzo Black Publishing" and a member of BMI with its own publishing company "Alonzo Black Publishing International". In this capacity, he has demonstrated a keen acumen for identifying and nurturing music talent for a commercial audience appeal. Alonzo Black has provided opportunities for music artists to perform at a number of festivals/concerts/shows/events, be placed on tours, perform with major artists, receive radio airplay, give radio/magazine/TV interviews, get placement on the Billboard Charts/Global Top Independent Charts, rank in the top 50 independent artists on national radio, win local/regional/national/international awards, and be digitally distributed by major labels.
Subsequent to the formation of Zobe Records, Mr. Black launched Zobe Magazine in 2011 as its editor-in-chief, where his editorial leadership has significantly contributed to the magazine's influence in the entertainment industry to teach, educate, and guide talents within their careers. Later that same year, he established Zobe Television Network, where he serves as the executive producer and director, giving a visual presentation of the magazine and used to interview talents, promote music videos, and give educational industry content, tips, and guidance which led to becoming a YouTube partner and a way to give back to the industry and help direct its path forward. Outside his professional sphere, Mr. Black has generously given back to his community by mentoring young people and educating them about the music industry. He has since formed a group called the DMV Youth Foundation to help the youth gain knowledge and experience in the industry. He also constantly brings interns into his company to teach and educate them and allow them to get hands-on industry experience.
Most recently, Alonzo Black jumped into the technology market by creating ZobeLab, Inc., a music industry technology software application company that will benefit the independent music community. The mission behind this new platform is to empower independent recording labels and music artists with cutting-edge tools, education, connections, and an opportunity approach to provide a resource that has everything that one may need to enhance one's career within the industry. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the music industry with ZobeLab, by seamlessly integrating EdTech, FinTech, AI, and the Metaverse into one platform to empower artists, music professionals, and enthusiasts worldwide.
In preparation for his career, Mr. Black completed college coursework at Bowie State University and the University of Maryland following high school. His impressive background includes receiving a full scholarship through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps to study at Savannah State University. Growing up, he worked for his father's law firm and for his mother's fashion company as he learned a lot from having both parents as entrepreneurs and musicians, thus shaping him into the businessman he is today.
Mr. Black's commitment to excellence is reflected in his active participation in several industry-related organizations such as Music Managers Forum, the National Association of Record Industry Professionals, For(bes) The Culture, Broadcast Music Inc., and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. He was also inducted as a member of The Recording Academy.
In recognition of his professional commitments and media presence, Mr. Black has been recognized for his contributions to the industry through accolades, such as nominations for the Wammie Awards in 2023 and 2024, placements on several Billboard / radio charts,
and Marquis Who's Who Made Him an Honored Listee for Expertise in Entertainment. He attributes his success to his unwavering passion for the music industry and his dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.