Ikenna Nwagboso to exit emPawa Africa in January

The announcement was made public in a statement on Monday, with Nnwagboso stressing that it’s time to “chart a new path.” He added that he is “humbled and honoured 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.”

As a key figure in the founding of emPawa in 2018, Nwagboso was integral to the company’s rise and its impact on the African music industry, collaborating closely with Mr Eazi, the company’s founder and CEO.

Throughout his time at emPawa Africa, Nwagboso was responsible for signing and developing notable artists such as GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy, and Tekno. He also secured partnerships with industry powerhouses including Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment.

Under his guidance, emPawa Africa launched its flagship initiatives, the emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns that have helped 130 emerging African artists launch their careers.

“Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest new superstars in the industry,” Mr Eazi said. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”

Afropop star Joeboy, who was discovered by Eazi and Nwagboso as part of the emPawa 100 initiative, becoming the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with the company, credited Nwagboso with helping to guide his career from an unknown artist to that of an international recording artist with over 3 billion streams and a global following.

“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.”

Following his exit from emPawa, Nwagboso, based in Toronto, will focus on developing emerging talent through his newly established Image Ent. / Exodus Music Group. The company has already signed Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo, and is consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s upcoming debut album for S-Curve Records.

Meanwhile Nwagboso says he will “continue to offer my advice to Mr Eazi and the executive management team at emPawa.”