New business made a big pop(pa) for the ARHT Media Inc (CVE:ART) share price on Monday, with the Toronto listed stock up around 20%.
ARHT told investors it had secured the rights to create a hologram of legendary rap artist Christopher Wallace -Notorious B.I.G - for use in arena ‘appearances’ stage shows, concerts and various media campaigns.
The Notorious B.I.G estate is managed by Bystorm Entertainment in conjunction with Wallace’s former wife Faith Evans and his mother Voletta Wallace.
ARHT’s photorealistic Humagram technology will power the projects.
The company says that the technology provides a ‘truly immersive’ 3D experience. And it added that the ARHT platform is innovative and has ‘shifted away’ from the Pepper’s Ghost technique which was used by a competitor to bring Tupac Shakur to the stage of the Coachella music festival back in 2012.
ARHT’s technology is “more cost effective and an innovative patented technology”,ARHT added.
Faith Evans, in a statement, said: “After seeing all the technologies out there, I realized right away that ARHT Media would be the best partner to bring back Notorious B.I.G.
"I look forward to continue working with them and presenting the world with his Humagram(TM) in both video and stage format, through the release of my album The King & I."
Meanwhile, Bystorm Entertainment president Wayne Barrow added: “The beauty of technology is that it's limitless and ARHT Media's cutting edge platform boldly stands out as truth in that testament.
"I'm proud to be a part of their platform launch with the late great Notorious B.I.G.'s Humagram as we find creative and innovative ways to continue to enhance his timeless legacy."
Rene Bharti, ARHT chief executive, said: "We are very proud to be working with Faith Evans, Ms. Wallace & Bystorm Entertainment, and are privileged to be working with one of the greatest rappers of all time," said
"Notorious B.I.G. is as prevalent as ever, and we believe that there is a huge opportunity to place his Humagram in a variety of shows and other opportunities.”
ARHT shares were up 4 cents, 17.4%, trading at 27 cents each.
Christopher Wallace was killed in a shooting in Los Angeles in March 1997.