emPawa Africa Announces Departure of Co-Founder Ikenna Nwagboso as Global Head of Label Services and Partnerships.
Global entertainment powerhouse emPawa Africa has confirmed that Ikenna Nwagboso, co-founder and head of Label Services and Partnerships, will officially exit his role in January 2025. Since helping launch emPawa in 2018, Ikenna Nwagboso has collaborated closely with CEO Oluwatosin Ajibade, known globally as Mr Eazi, to drive the company’s expansion and bolster its influence within the African music industry.
Throughout his eight-year tenure, Ikenna Nwagboso has played a central role in shaping the careers of artists such as GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy, and Tekno. He also forged essential partnerships with industry leaders like Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, while leading the flagship emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns—groundbreaking artist development initiatives that launched 130 emerging African artists into the spotlight.
“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.”
Among the artists impacted by Nwagboso’s work is Afropop sensation Joeboy, the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with emPawa after being discovered through the emPawa 100 initiative. Today, Joeboy’s music has reached global audiences with over 3 billion streams. “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.”
Post-emPawa, Nwagboso, who is based in Toronto, plans to focus on artist development through his newly established ventures, Image Ent. and Exodus Music Group. Already, Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo are signed to the company, which is also consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s debut album with S-Curve Records.
Reflecting on his transition, Ikenna 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.”
