Nigeria: Franklin David lands top role at Chocolate City

The move forms part of the record label’s efforts to expand its presence in North Africa and bring its catalogue to a global audience. Chocolate City was founded by Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo and operates as a 360 media and entertainment company whose services include music licensing, management and consulting. The company boasts offices in Lagos, Abuja and Nairobi, as well as the UK, US, South Africa and Ghana.

Based in New York, the former head of talent management for e-sports and gaming company Unanimous Games assumes his new role with over over 20 years of industry experience under his belt, including as an artist manager and working on projects for American acts Fabolous and Mariah Carey.

“I am excited and honoured for the opportunity to join a legacy African entertainment company like Chocolate City,” David said. “The label has brought us some of the most amazing content out of Africa, the most recent being 'Love Nwantiti' by CKay.”

David added that his new post will see him ensure that releases on Chocolate City’s roster are “thoroughly amplified through the right partnership, collaborations and brand exposure stateside.

“I’m proud to work alongside an amazing forward-thinking executive team at Chocolate City, and thankful for the opportunity to utilise my access and network so that such great African platforms can compete with the best internationally.”

“Having David onboard is really exciting for us as we seek to expand our base in North America and export our culture to the world,” Abuchi Ugwu, who was appointed Chocolate City CEO in April 2021, said. “David also has experience in the sports industry, working with NFL players Dwight Freeney, Pierre Garcon and Amobi Okoye, as well as NBA athletes Carmelo Anthony, Baron Davis, Joakim Noah and Pascal Siakim.

“The market remains a key territory in our growth plans as the world opens up more to Afrobeats and the various sounds coming out of Africa. David has the wealth of experience, great reputation and keen insight for great music all of which are instrumental in executing our global vision.”

Chocolate City is home to four-time Grammy nominee Femi Kuti, rapper and producer MI Abaga, CKay, Blaqbonez, Young Jon and Candy Bleaks, among others. The company is currently in a partnership with Warner Music Group.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, fellow Nigerian label exec Larry Gaaga was named vice-president for A&R at Universal Music Group imprint Def Jam Recordings Africa. Larry Gaaga, who moonlights as a musician, will be in charge of scouting African talent that “speaks to and resonates with the defining culture and artistry of the Def Jam legacy”.