Global entertainment company emPawa Africa has announced the departure of Ikenna Nwagboso, its co-founder and Global Head of Label Services and Partnerships, effective in January 2025. Nwagboso, a key figure in launching emPawa with founder and CEO Oluwatosin Ajibade (Mr Eazi) in 2018, has played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s growth and its influence on the African music landscape. His tenure saw the signing and development of major African artists, including GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy, and Tekno, as well as the securing of crucial partnerships with Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment. Nwagboso also spearheaded emPawa’s flagship campaigns — emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 — pioneering artist development initiatives that launched the careers of 130 emerging talents across the continent.

Mr Eazi acknowledged Nwagboso’s dedication to emPawa, stating, “Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest new superstars in the industry. We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.” Among Nwagboso’s success stories is Afropop sensation Joeboy, discovered through the emPawa 100 initiative, who credited Nwagboso for his transformation from an emerging artist to a global star with over 3 billion streams. Joeboy remarked, “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. 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 will shift his focus to his newly-formed Image Ent./Exodus Music Group, signing Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo, while also consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s upcoming debut 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.”

Founded by Mr Eazi in 2018, emPawa Africa has become a powerful advocate for African artists, investing in their talent and empowering them to build sustainable, internationally recognized careers. Known for pioneering initiatives like the emPawa Masterclass, emPawa Africa continues to foster the continent’s leading talents and create impactful partnerships, championing the next generation of African creatives on the global stage.