Julz Ossom - Deputy Chairperson

Julz Ossom, originally from Ghana, is a prominent figure in the African music scene, known for his multifaceted contributions as a business strategist, entrepreneur, and creative consultant. Based in Toronto, Canada, he has built a reputation as a visionary advocate for African empowerment through entertainment.

Ossom’s career began as an Afrobeat radio DJ, leading to the founding of Ghanamixtapes.com in 2003, a pioneering digital platform for African mixtape culture. The site remains a milestone for emerging and established African artists, drawing thousands of monthly visitors. As an A&R representative for Akon’s Konvict Music Africa, Ossom played a pivotal role in shaping Sarkodie’s career.

In 2013, Ossom launched The African Invasion Movement (AIM), an initiative promoting African culture through artist development, fashion, and events. AIM’s projects include the non-profit AIM to Impact, the fashion brand Clothing By AIM, and African Music Week (AMW), the only Canadian music conference spotlighting the billion-dollar African music industry. Now in its seventh year, AMW aligns with Canadian Music Week to showcase Africa’s influence on the global music stage.

Ossom’s influence extends beyond music. In June 2023, he joined the Ghana government delegation to The Bahamas and Barbados, meeting with Prime Ministers Philip Davis and Mia Mottley to explore using arts and culture to strengthen international relations.

Julz Ossom’s work continues to drive global awareness of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, solidifying his position as a key advocate for African empowerment and innovation in the arts.