Ikenna Nwagbosoco-founder/global head of label services and partnerships at emPawa Africa, will leave the company in January, it was announced on Monday (November 11).
Nwagboso started the Nigeria-based talent incubation business in 2018 alongside CEO/Co-Founder Mr. Eazi (real name Oluwatosin Ajibade). Since then, he has 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 Cartel Music launched a joint venture with the company. Nwagboso has also secured critical partnerships with Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music and Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment, while leading the company's flagship emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns, the first-of-its-kind artist development programs to launch the career of 13. artists across the continent.
“Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest young superstars in the industry,” said Mr. Eazi in a press release. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has created.”
After Nwagboso exits 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 have signed to the label, 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 emPawa's executive management team, but it is time to chart a new course. I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege to work with the artists and teams I have been fortunate enough to work with and lead. Everything was a gift,” Nwagboso said in a statement.
Joeboy, whom Mr. Discovered by Eazi and Nwagboso as part of the emPawa 100 initiative, he became the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with the label in 2017. He left the label earlier this year to launch his own record label, Young Legend, in partnership with Warner Records. In a statement, the “Sip (Alcohol)” singer credits Nwagboso with helping guide his career from an unknown artist to an international star.
“I have been working with Ikenna since the beginning of my career and he is one of the most reliable people when it comes to making sure his artists get the best opportunities,” said Joeboy. “He is definitely one of the most important game changers and role players in African entertainment in the world. It has also been a very integral part of the foundations of my musical progress and development.”
