Ikenna Nwagboso to Exit emPawa Africa 2025

Vanessa Obioha

Global Head of Label Services and Partnerships at emPawa Africa Ikenna Nwagboso will step down from his role in January 2025, the company has announced.
Nwagboso co-DJ with Mr Eazi in 2018 and 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.

Reflecting on his departure, Nwagboso shared, “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 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.”

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.