Discover 10 amazing facts you did not know about one of the global music industry’s biggest figures, Ghazi Shami.
Ghazi Shami is one of the most influential figures in the modern music industry, yet many people don’t know much about the man behind the success of independent artists worldwide. As the founder and CEO of Empire, he has transformed the music landscape by providing artists with the tools to thrive without the constraints of traditional record labels. From Afrobeats artists such as Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, and Asake in Africa to Tyga, Moneybagg Yo, and the late Young Dolph in the U.S., his platform has helped shape the careers of global stars.
While many see him as the brain behind one of the most powerful independent labels, there’s more to his story than just business. From his early days as a sound engineer to his unique approach to artist deals, here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Ghazi Shami.
1. He’s a San Francisco Native With Palestinian Roots
With roots in Palestine and an upbringing in San Francisco’s Bay Area, he proudly embraces his Palestinian-American identity. This blend of cultures shapes his unique approach to music and business. “This company wouldn’t exist if I wasn’t born and bred in the Bay,” he once said, crediting his hometown’s diversity for influencing Empire’s DNA.
2. He Started Making Records at 14
Shami’s love for music began in his early teens when a DJ friend introduced him to the craft at age 14. Inspired, he started making his own records, turning a youthful hobby into the foundation of a lifelong career. Growing up in the Bay Area—home to legends like Too Short and Souls of Mischief—he was surrounded by musical pioneers who fueled his passion.
3. He Was Also a DJ
Before becoming an engineer or launching a company, Shami was a DJ. His first experience with a mixing board came in high school, where he spun records at house parties, learning how to command a crowd. These early days behind the decks sharpened his ear for music and fueled his drive to master the technical side of the industry.
4. His Career Began as an Audio Engineer at 22
At just 22, Shami kicked off his professional journey as an audio engineer at 3rd Eye Studios in 1995. For four years, he honed his craft alongside Bay Area rap icons, perfecting beats and absorbing the region’s legendary hip-hop culture. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his future in music production and business.
5. His Education Laid the Foundation for His Success
Shami’s deep understanding of music technology started at the College of San Mateo, where he earned an associate degree in the field. He later advanced his studies at San Francisco State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in radio and television, further equipping him with the skills that would shape Empire.
6. Silicon Valley Sparked His Distribution Dream
Shami’s time in Silicon Valley was a game-changer. While working at tech firms known as “value-added resellers,” he explored streaming technology in its early days. “I became curious about how I could add value to distribution,” he once said. This experience in the late ‘90s planted the seed for Empire—years before streaming giants like Spotify emerged.
7. He’s a Multi-Talented Music Executive
Shami is more than just a CEO—he’s a music technologist, record producer, and audio engineer. His hands-on expertise influences every aspect of Empire, from mixing tracks to developing proprietary software that keeps the company at the forefront of digital music distribution.
8. He Built Empire From Scratch
In 2010, Shami launched Empire Distribution from his home in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. What started as a tech-driven vision has since grown into a global powerhouse, with offices in New York, Nashville, London, and beyond. Empire’s success lies in Shami’s unique model—blending digital distribution with artist-friendly services, proving that music can thrive as both an art and a business.
9. His African Footprint Started With Olamide
Shami’s entry into the Afrobeats scene began with a 2020 joint venture deal with Nigerian superstar Olamide‘s YBNL. In 2021, he expanded Empire’s reach by establishing a U.S. division focused on marketing in West Asia, North Africa, and the African diaspora. By 2023, he had launched Empire Africa, making key executive hires in Nigeria. Today, he holds partnerships with top Afrobeats artists, including Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, and Asake.
10. He’s Ventured Into Dance Music
While Empire is best known for hip-hop, Shami has also made moves in the dance music scene. In 2022, he partnered with Claude VonStroke, founder of the independent electronic label Dirtybird Records. That same year, Empire acquired Dirtybird, marking its official expansion into electronic dance culture.
