Wyclef Joins Forces with Mogul Howard Misle for New Joint Entertainment Venture

Wyclef Jean has teamed up with American business mogul Howard Misle for a new joint entertainment venture that will develop and produce music and original television programming. Through the deal, Clef’s Refugee/Carnival House imprints will work directly with Misle’s In Ya Face Records for joint projects. Misle, who made his fortune in the metals, waste management and industrial recycling industries; got into the music business when he founded In Ya Face back in 2005. The pair met when Clef approached Misle about developing recycling efforts for his home country of Haiti. Upon learning of their shared interest in music, the two started to discuss a joint venture, and Misle ended up executive producing the video for Wyclef’s single “Sweetest Girl.” The new company will be based in California’s Silicon Valley and Misle and Jean will serve as co-chairman. “In a time when record companies are suffering due to download technology, the idea of artist development doesn’t exist anymore, Wyclef explained in a statement. “It was great to find my partner Howard ‘Big H’ Misle, owner of In Ya Face Records, who believes as well as I do that true artistry lies not in technology but in the development of the artist.” Clef’s Refugee/Carnival House rap duo Kontrast are expected to merge with the In Ya Face roster which includes rap acts Big Work and ProHoeZak. “Having Wyclef as a partner is a tremendous honor,” Misle said of the agreement. “He is one of the most talented and respected voices in modern music today. His work with the Fugees and all of his solo projects shows great depth and dedication to his craft. His brand of creativity is a great complement to our executive team.”