Global entertainment company emPawa Africa has announced that Ikenna Nwagboso, co-founder and Global Head of Label Services and Partnerships, will step down from his role effective January 2025. Nwagboso was instrumental in launching emPawa in 2018, shaping the company’s growth and impact on the African music landscape, while working side by side with founder and CEO Oluwatosin Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi.
Across his tenure, Nwagboso has overseen the signing and development of artists including GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy, Tekno, J.Derobie and Nezsa. He also secured crucial partnerships with industry giants such as Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, while spearheading emPawa Africa’s flagship initiatives: the emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns—first-of-their-kind artist development programs which launched the careers of 130 emerging artists from across the African continent.
“Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest new superstars in the industry,” said Mr Eazi, emPawa Africa founder and CEO. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”
Afropop star Joeboy, who was discovered by Eazi and Nwagboso as part of the emPawa 100 initiative, becoming the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with the company, credited Nwagboso with helping to guide his career from an unknown artist to that of an international recording artist with over 3 billion streams and a global following.
“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,” Joeboy said. “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.”
Following his departure from emPawa in January, Nwagboso, who is based in Toronto, will focus on developing artists through his newly-formed Image Ent. / Exodus Music Group; Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo have been signed to the company, which is also consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie‘s upcoming debut album for S-Curve Records.
Reflecting on his departure, Nwagboso shared, “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.”
