Ikenna Nwagboso to step down from role at emPawa Africa

emPawa Africa has announced that co-founder Ikenna Nwagboso will step down from his role as Global Head of Label Services and Partnerships in January 2025.

Nwagboso, who co-founded the company with Mr Eazi in 2018, has been pivotal in shaping emPawa’s impact on the African music scene, overseeing the careers of artists like Joeboy, Fave, and Tekno, while securing key partnerships with YouTube Music, Kobalt, and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment.

Notably, Nwagboso was integral to the success of emPawa’s flagship programs, emPawa 100 and emPawa 30, which have launched over 130 emerging African artists. Joeboy, one of the program’s earliest successes, credits Nwagboso with playing a key role in his rise to international stardom.

After his departure, Nwagboso will focus on his new venture, Image Ent. / Exodus Music Group, which is already home to Canadian artist, Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo, alongside consulting on Rwandan artist, Bruce Melodie’s debut album.