emPawa Africa has announced that co-founder and head of Label Services and Partnerships, Ikenna Nwagboso, will step down in January 2025.

A driving force since emPawa’s inception in 2018, Nwagboso worked alongside CEO Oluwatosin Ajibade—known as Mr Eazi—to expand emPawa’s reach and influence in the African music industry.

Nwagboso’s work at emPawa helped build the careers of several popular artists, including GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy, and Tekno. His leadership also attracted essential partnerships with Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment. Notably, Nwagboso spearheaded the emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns, pioneering artist development programs that brought 130 emerging artists from Africa into the spotlight.

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

Among those Nwagboso has supported is Afropop star Joeboy, who joined emPawa as part of the emPawa 100 program and became the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution agreement with the company. Joeboy’s journey from newcomer to global sensation with over 3 billion streams highlights Nwagboso’s influence. “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.”

After his departure from emPawa, Toronto-based Nwagboso will focus on his newly launched initiatives, Image Ent. and Exodus Music Group. Already, Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo are signed with his companies, which are also advising on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s debut album under S-Curve Records.

Reflecting on this transition, Nwagboso stated, “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.”