Ikenna Nwagboso, the co-founder/global head of label services and partnerships at emPawa Africa, will exit the company in January, it was announced Monday (Nov. 11)
Nwagboso launched the Nigeria-based talent incubation enterprise in 2018 alongside CEO/co-founder Mr. Eazi (real name Oluwatosin Ajibade). Since then, he’s overseen the signing and development of artists such as GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Tekno, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy and Nezsa. In May, Tekno joined emPawa Africa as an investor and partner, and his Cartel Music label struck a joint venture with the company. Nwagboso has also secured crucial partnerships with Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music and Beyoncé‘s Parkwood Entertainment while spearheading the company’s flagship emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns, which are first-of-their-kind artist development programs that have launched the careers of 130 emerging artists across the continent.
“Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest new superstars in the industry,” Mr. Eazi said in a press release. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”
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After Nwagboso leaves emPawa Africa at the top of next year, the Toronto-based executive will focus on developing artists through his new Image Ent./Exodus Music Group. Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo are signed to the company, which is consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s upcoming debut album via S-Curve Records.
“I will continue to offer my advice to Eazi and the executive management team at emPawa, but it’s time to chart a new path. I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege to work with the artists and teams I’ve been fortunate to work with and lead. It’s all been a gift,” Nwagboso said in a statement.
Joeboy, whom Mr. Eazi and Nwagboso discovered as part of the emPawa 100 initiative, became the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with the company in 2017. He left the company earlier this year to launch his own label, Young Legend, in partnership with Warner Records. In a statement, the “Sip (Alcohol)” singer credited Nwagboso with helping guide his career from an unknown artist to an international star.
“I’ve worked with Ikenna since the start of my career and he is one of the most reliable people when it comes to making sure his artists are provided with the best opportunities,” said Joeboy. “He is definitely one of the major game changers and role players to the African entertainment sector to the world. He has also been a very integral part of the foundation of my musical progress and growth.”