Kenya’s Angela Ndambuki to be honoured at Billboard Women in Music event

Ndambuki, who is the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI’s) regional director of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is being recognised for her contribution to the development of the music industry in the region.

“I am elated and honoured for the Billboard recognition,” Ndambuki, who is also the chairperson of the Kenya Association of Music Producers, said. “Indeed the sub-Saharan Africa music industry is growing in leaps and bounds. Since setting up the first IFPI SSA office in 2020 there has been tremendous growth, with last year reflecting an impressive 34.7% growth, the highest globally. We expect this growth trend to continue over the next couple of years. This is a clarion call for the SSA governments to prioritise the creative industry with sound policies that will see the music industry grow further in the coming years.”

Ndambuki is named in the Associations category for her dedication to championing copyright matters and promoting intellectual property awareness to grow revenue and create a more artist-centric industry. This effort is proving essential in elevating the creative economy and recognising the potential of the music industry as a significant economic driver.

Her role extends across key markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Botswana, among other SSA countries.

Ndambuki says she is pleased with the global recognition African music is receiving, with artists like Rema, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid dominating the international scene. She says this is a significant step that is finally translating into substantial revenues for performers, composers and rightsowner.

“[Recently] we witnessed another SSA first in the just published IFPI Global Singles Chart where Rema came in at No 2 in the top 10. This is just the start and I Iook forward to seeing more development of the industry in the coming years,” she said.

Billboard Women in Music is also recognising other top IFPI executives, including former IFPI CEO Frances Moore, IFPI director of global litigation Elena Blobel and IFPI director of global content protection and enforcement Melissa Morgia, among others.

Apart from music executives, Billboard Women in Music is honouring global artists in categories such as the Big Chart Achievement Award, Favourite Beauty or Style Award, Women in Music Rising Star Award and Women in Music Icon Award.

Former Capitol Music Group chairwoman and CEO Michelle Jubelirer has been named Executive of the Year.

The ceremony will feature performances by Karol G, Charli XCX, Kylie Minogue, PinkPantheress, Victoria Monét and Young Miko.

View to the full list of Billboard Women in Music honourees here.