Every year, TurnTable’s 30 Under 30 list shines a light on the young professionals driving the business of Nigerian music forward. The Class of 2025 is a reflection of the industry’s energy and ambition. It is made up of marketers, label executives, distributors, brand specialists, tour managers and more, who are quietly shaping the sound and structure of today’s Afrobeats.
They are the people behind the hits. The ones building strategies that move a song from the studio to the streets, and from the streets to the charts. Some are mastering the complex world of distribution, making sure music reaches audiences in Lagos, London, New York and beyond. Others are finding creative ways to tell artiste stories through campaigns, media partnerships and cultural moments that connect deeply with fans.
This year’s class has a clear understanding of how to build careers, not just viral moments. They use data to guide decisions, read the pulse of youth culture and understand the business mechanics that turn popularity into longevity. Their work is about more than breaking records; it is about building the infrastructure that keeps artists relevant and thriving.
In a fast moving and competitive market, these executives are proving that influence is not defined by age. They bring agility, fresh thinking and a deep understanding of what drives music consumption today. They are as fluent in the language of digital trends as they are in the details of contracts and tour schedules.
The Class of 2025 is a sign of where Nigerian music is headed. Outward to new audiences around the world, upward in cultural influence, and inward toward more sustainable systems for artists and teams. They are not just witnessing the growth of the industry. They are the ones making it happen.
Olabiyi ‘Badmanmide’ Olamide
Olabiyi Olamide, widely known as Badmanmide, is a daring creative entrepreneur and culture strategist with an unshakable go-getter spirit. Renowned for his brightest ideas and unmatched ability to bring them to life, he is the CEO of Upnort, a marketing agency shaping music, youth, and event culture through bold, high-impact campaigns.He manages Afrobeats artist Llona, who is the first and only artist to have successfully toured 25 cities in Nigeria, He co-owns Lagos’ vibrant restaurant Paperbox Eats, and curates Love in the Boulevard Nigeria’s only dedicated R&B event series.
Fearless in execution and relentless in vision, Badmanmide continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity and culture.
Written by Feyisetan Ajayi – Marketing and Public Relations Executive, Chocolate City
Deji Osikoya
Deji Osikoya is one of the most compelling voices in culture today. Gifted with a voice that feels angelic, he brings colour and nuance to an industry that often punishes its most opinionated. With his fidelity to objectivity and studying the masters, Deji WILL earn your respect—whether or not you agree with him.
His path here has been both long and unconventional. From a Law student who realised his true passion was in Media and Communications, to breaking into the music industry through Chocolate City, to now shaping the conversation and delivering some of the sharpest interviews in the game on Afrobeats: With An S—each step has seen Deji level up with clarity and class. His journey is one worth paying attention to.
Written by Mayowa Idowu – Co-founder, Editor-in-chief, Culture Custodian
Sien Essien
Some people discover their creative passion by accident or while earnestly searching for a means of sustenance, the reverse is however the case for Sien Essien, whose love for everything media found him while he was a 15-year-old secondary school student. Since then he’s gone from taking a photo that his then classmate thought was really cool and being compensated with his lunch money, to playing essential roles in several notable music videos on the scene today.
Years after this, his moves were further consolidated with his work at NATIVE Mag, where he filmed events, interviews and also doubled as a host. Now, Sien has built a reckoning as one of the brightest minds in the video directing and media space; as a streamer - bringing people closer to some of the biggest shows in Lagos or reacting to major music drops from some of the hottest acts.
With a hand in the event hosting jar as well; Sien Street Jamz and a membership with activ. boizzz, there’s evidently no limits to what Sien can do.
Bamise Oyetayo – Senior Marketing Executive, Irvine Partners
Olamide ‘Bimbogramm’ Abimbola
Bimbogramm is a dynamic force and one of the key architects behind the transformative wave currently sweeping through the African music scene. With an exceptional ability to spot raw talent and envision their journey to stardom, he has played an instrumental role in catapulting emerging artists to global recognition in record time.
As the co-founder at CiDAR Africa and Tiktalk media, Bimbogramm’s influence cuts across various facets of the industry. His strategic foresight, creative marketing approaches, and deep understanding of the music ecosystem and soundscape as an A&R, have helped shape and amplify the careers of several promising artists. Names like Ayo Maff, Wizard Chan, Fido, Kiddcarder, and Kunmie stand as testaments to his impact—each of them having benefited from his guidance, support and expertise.
In an industry that thrives on innovation and authenticity, Bimbogramm continues to be a trailblazer and a disruptor, driving change and elevating African music to new heights on the world stage.
Written by Ogunyinka .H — Founder, ALT Music
Emmanuel “Emaxee” Oke
Emmanuel “Emaxee” Oke is a cross-disciplinary polymath working at the intersection of music, media, and design, shaping global perceptions of African creative narratives while delivering creative-first solutions that move culture forward. As co-founder and Creative Director of NoteSphere, a media startup documenting and generating knowledge about African creatives, he has built a platform that doubles as a digital archive through journalism and African-focused media solutions. His editorial leadership has driven campaigns for brands, labels, and artists including LVRN, Chocolate City, and Dapper Music.
Beyond NoteSphere, Emaxee has played key roles in the Nigerian entertainment industry, spanning business development and content strategy with companies like Mavin Records and The Upper Entertainment. In 2024, he launched Cosamote, a creative agency and collective providing artistic and strategic direction for talents and organizations. Cosamote has incubated projects for M-Kiddo, Warner Music Africa, TurnTable Charts, Tumblr, and Jonzing World, among others.
Emaxee also leads operations at Divizzion Music, a distribution label dedicated to championing the next generation of African talent. Under his leadership, the label has become a launchpad for emerging artists, offering strategic support in release planning, marketing, and digital growth.
Written by Funsho Daniel — Digital PR Lead at Mad Solutions/Engage
Dunsin Bankole
If you distilled Dunsin Bankole's philosophy into two words, they would be elevating taste, but even that barely captures the scale of his influence. As one of the visionaries behind WeTalkSound—a 360 engine shaping African music and pop-culture, Bankole has spent the last five years redefining how we experience creativity. His background in design shows up in everything he touches. Whether he's curating partnerships, rolling out a project, or bringing an event concept to life, Bankole creates with permanence in mind.
In an industry that moves fast and forgets faster, he’s committed to building things that last—and he does it with a quiet confidence. Because for Bankole, taste isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about what stands the test of time, and he knows exactly how to craft it.
Written by Shalom Tewobola — Writer & Journalist
Omolola Ige
Lola’s work is characterized by a keen demonstration of care. Having known and seen her in action across a series of projects in a number of years, her commitment to driving results is unwavering, regardless of the scale of campaign or tier of the associated artist. Her contribution within the music marketing space is one that always aims to align the positioning of African artists on par with their global peers. The future is pretty predictable for people who are committed to their assignment. All indicators point to the sky for Lola.
Written by Victor Okpala– Artiste & Label Partnerships Manager, Spotify West Africa
Akintomide “Tomide Marv” Alagbe
Akintomide Marvellous Alagbe, known professionally as Tomide Marv, is a native of Ogbomoso and the eldest son of the renowned broadcast journalist, Sayo Alagbe. He earned his Bachelor's in English Language from the University of Ilorin. In 2023, he joined Zikoko Magazine as a culture journalist, focusing on contemporary Nigerian music, Nollywood, youth and internet culture. His exceptional contributions were recognised in 2024 when he was named best writer by Big Cabal Media, the parent company of Zikoko Magazine and Tech Cabal.
Tomide is a distinguished and discerning reporter and culture enthusiast, possessing a keen awareness of current music trends and a diligent understanding of Nigeria's musical heritage.Tomide's writing approach and style are familiar but unconventional: journalistic with a predilection for street lingo. With his byline spread across publications like London Listening Sessions, The NATIVE Mag, TheBlotted, The Punch, WeTalkSound, and elsewhere, he is not just the hardest-working guy in culture right now; he is the future of Nigerian pop culture journalism.
Written by Dami Ajayi — Poet, psychiatrist & music critic.
David Adeyemi
As founder of Pizzazz Media and global PR & Marketing executive at the BFA Agency. David Adeyemi shapes the stories behind some of Africa's biggest entertainers, from singers Davido, Minz & TxC to football star, William Troost-Ekong, and VMF’s GoodGirl LA. He's one of the emerging generation of truly multi-potentiate professionals, able to thrive across media, marketing, communications, and culture. His latest milestone: induction into the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class, giving him a direct role in the GRAMMY Awards process and a platform to advocate for greater diversity in global music representation.
Written by Jide Taiwo — Writer & Culture Consultant
Melody “M.I.A” Adigo
Pinning M.I.A down is no easy task. She defies singular definition. A media personality, a performer, a cultural connector. Her refined musical sensibilities set her apart, while her commanding stage presence has made her a fixture on some of the biggest platforms. What truly distinguishes her, however, is her ability to draw together audiences across age groups and backgrounds, creating moments of unity through sound. In today’s Afrobeats movement, M.I.A stands as one of its defining voices, and all indications suggest that her influence is only set to expand.
Written by Excel Joab – Snr Manager, A&R and Artist Development, AWAL West Africa
Blessed Akinlabi
Blessed Akinlabi , serving as the lead artist manager and liaison for BNXN handles day-to-day operations and helps steers the ship with precision, passion, and a whole lot of heart. Since joining the team, he’s brought a new fire and creative spark that’s made the entire process of our everyday engagements not just smoother, but he’s brought passionate execution to play in the grand vision of BNXN’s career. Beyond the logistics and deadlines, Blessed has become an essential part of the journey, adding real value where it counts and always pushing the vision forward.
He is also the co-founder of Big Fest Ltd, a Canada-based touring and events company, and Misunderstood Creative Agency, a forward-thinking booking agency. With an eye for innovation and a commitment to championing emerging talent, Blessed continues to push boundaries and cement his role as one of the next generation’s defining industry leaders.
Written by Titilope Adesanya- Director Of Operations, Africa, EMPIRE
Caleb Oluwasegun Oyolola
Caleb is a young executive with a sharp eye for talent and strategy. He is the founder of Inner Circle, one of the fastest-growing music-related companies in Nigeria. He blends music marketing strategy with street OT, which has helped him lead several breakthrough campaigns for a few artists, including the discovery of Fido and Dxtiny, as well as handling the licensing and marketing of Mavo’s Escaladizzy. His tenacity in studying the market and identifying gaps makes him a standout voice among the next generation of music executives and marketers.
From Lanre Marshall — Director, West Africa, The Orchard
Samuel “Soft” Adekolu
I’ve had the privilege of working closely with SOFT since his early days at Cool FM , where his instincts for talent were evident. From helping shape the image of artists like Fireboy DML to guiding FAVE’s rise as one of Africa’s most exciting voices, Samuel has consistently proven himself a visionary. His ability to spot potential and nurture it into global relevance makes him one of the most dynamic young power players in African music today.
Written by Kolapo Oladapo – Culture Strategist & Entrepreneur
Awele Uchidiuno
Awele’s spirited sprint within Nigeria’s chaotic creative scene echoes her grit, and striking brilliance. With every creative campaign, the bustling mediapreneur and brands expert proves her mettle as one of PR and Marketing’s best additions in recent times. Her stint as a music journalist and senior editor at More Branches magazine, with her catalogue of riveting profiles on the myriad of voices mapping Afrobeats’ global ascent, continues to reflect her dedication to the media profession.
From handling the creative PR and Marketing rollout for Qing Madi’s “Ole”, to handling European fashion week campaigns for Shaes Universe and AQT, and managing single rollout campaigns for Yemi Alade, Awele’s effervescent strides ring nonstop with grand results. Her other strong efforts as Head PR strategist at Glitch Africa; and other joint marketing teams have significantly shaped projects from Africa’s biggest exports including Stonebwoy, Izeah, and several others.
Awele is a strong testament to the power of a determined digital nomad, managing all her campaigns shuttling Delta and Lagos states. Her impact within the Nigerian creative scene linger like bold front-pager headlines. As founder of Awele Services Global (ASG), she’s leaving her bold mark on history shaping some of the continent’s biggest creative projects, and, the best part is she’s only getting started.
Written by Chinonso Ihekire (Chinonso the Revolutionary) – Multimedia Journalist| Guardian Newspaper
George “Suss” Nyiam
George Nyiam, better known in the industry as “SussThePlug” or simply “Suss,” is redefining how African music connects with the world. As D2F Marketing Lead at ONErpm (Africa & UK), he has played key roles in some of the African continent’s most impactful release campaigns turning drops into chart-topping moments and casual listeners into devoted fans.
With a rare blend of strategic precision and cultural fluency, Suss has championed release rollouts for Teni, Zlatan, Peruzzi, Mr. P (of P-Square), Ajebo Hustlers, Vector, Mr. Bright Chimezie, Nasboi, and Ada Ehi, among others, helping shape their releases into fan-favorite anthems.
An Economics graduate of the University of Lagos and a Chartered Accountant (ACA, ICAN), Suss strikes the perfect balance between numbers and nuance, proving that music marketing can be both data-driven and deeply human. Passionate about advancing the global rise of African music, he continues to bridge the gap between artists and fans ensuring every release leaves a lasting impact, locally and worldwide.
Written by Chimdinma R. Maduforo — GM, ONErpm Nigeria
Olamide “Maybreed” Tonade
Over the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of watching *Olamide "Maybreed" Tonade* grow into an exceptional music professional, one of the best of these times. With discipline and humility, Maybreed approaches every project, task, and artist with focus and dedication-never cutting corners, always putting in the work. In a time where shortcuts are very tempting, he stays true, delivering real and smart results and building lasting success for the artists he manages. I could not be prouder of his journey and his achievements.
*Written by Osagie Osarenkhoe — Director, A&R & Operations (Africa) at ONErpm
Olubode ‘BodeBosun’ Olatunbosun
There are very few minds in music & media that shine as brightly as Paul Olubode Olatunbosun’s. He is a forward-thinking creative with an unmatched eye for design that can elevate the direction of any project no matter the condition he finds himself in. For me, his best trait lies not just in producing incredible work, but in providing fresh, imaginative solutions to problems— whether simple or complex – and always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Beyond his creativity, Bosun’s dedication to growth sets him apart. I consider him deeply committed to refining his craft as well as elevating those around him. I’ve known him for quite some time now and I considered intelligent the first time I met him. Now, I’d still describe him as highly intelligent.
For me, I consider Bosun has someone who has impeccable taste in design and an almost insatiable desire to get better at every turn. Matched with his desire to pick up new information about any field, topic or industry he stumbles upon, I believe he will stand as a leader in his field for years to come.
Written by Ayomide ‘K-D’ Oriowo — Co-Founder, TMDA
Micheal “Legendary Mike” Awosanya
Since 2019, Legendary Mike has been a driving force in shaping the African entertainment experience in the United States. What began with concerts and nightlife ventures in the DC Metropolitan area has grown into a portfolio of businesses and platforms that consistently raise the bar for cultural engagement. His track record speaks for itself – headlining shows with global superstars such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have solidified his reputation as a trusted curator of world-class experiences.
In 2025, Legendary took a bold step forward with the launch of the inaugural AfroPlus Festival—a landmark event that attracted over 20,000 attendees and marked a new era in the celebration of African music and diaspora culture. The success of AfroPlus is more than a milestone; it is a testament to his vision of “Africa, plus more”—a philosophy that combines cultural authenticity with global reach.
For those who know him, “Legendary” is not just a nickname but a reflection of his entrepreneurial drive, creative foresight, and commitment to building platforms that transcend entertainment. By bridging cultures and amplifying voices, he has positioned himself as one of the most dynamic young leaders redefining African influence on a global stage.
Written by Doctor Bussy Awosanya
The Debut Hub
Started by Liife (Founder), The Debut Hub was created to fill a gap in the African music scene: fair and accurate music data. From day one, TDH has focused on documenting chart moments and streaming milestones with accuracy and consistency.
What makes TDH stand out is the way it connects numbers to culture. By using data to shape conversations, it has become a trusted space where fans, artists, and industry players can follow the story of African music as it unfolds. It doesn’t just record growth, it amplifies it, giving both rising and established artists the visibility they deserve.
Over time, TDH has earned credibility through partnerships with Chartmasters, Audiomack, Music Canada, top labels and more, all while staying true to its mission of tracking the rise of African music from the streets to the global stage. Today, it’s more than just a media platform, it’s part of the culture.
Written by Ade Abdul — Senior Label Partner Gojë Distro
This feature was published with respect to the honouree’s request for anonymity.
Nancy Egbo
Nancy is a force that cannot be ignored. Her intelligence, creativity, humor, and personality make her instantly stand out among her peers. She has carved her own lane, leading the wave of Gen Z creators making authentic, relatable, and impactful content that documents this defining era in Nigerian pop culture. Her work consistently reaches millions across the world, sparking conversations and driving real growth and impact for WeTalkSound, and for the brands she collaborates with. Whether through writing, video, playlists, or any other format, her authenticity always shines through. Nancy’s potential is limitless, and she will excel in whatever facets of creativity she chooses to explore.
Simply put, Nancy is one of one - only she can do what she does, the way she does it.
Written by Dolapo Amusat — the Founder, WeTalkSound
Temple Egemasi
Temple Egemasi’s foray into music and media feels almost inevitable. Back in 2015, while still an undergraduate, he was already writing opinion pieces that reflected his curiosity and love for culture.
After a stint in Corporate Communications, he joined Anonymous Music in Label Operations, working with Bad Boy Timz on chart-topping records and a Headies win. He later collaborated with King Perryy, Rare Art Co, and BadTheSoundBoy on major campaigns before taking on his current role as Head of Distribution at Riju Music, where he helped secure a partnership with TRIBL Music, the world’s No. 1 gospel label. Temple also manages Rindss, a Nigerian soul singer with a charting Afro-house hit alongside Francis Mercier and Ginton.
A man of many hats, Temple has also published work in Rolling Stone, Pause UK, NoteSphere, NATIVE, Street, and other notable publications. And because life isn’t all boardrooms and strategy, he’s out documenting culture with @catchthegigs, capturing unforgettable moments that will live forever.
For Temple, this is just the beginning; the best is still to come.
Written by Hodovai Ekpe-Iko — Culture Writer
Beverly Charles
Beverly possesses a rare superpower in the music industry, the ability to lock in with an artist on the deepest level, guiding their creative output in a way that amplifies their artistry without ever compromising their essence. Beyond her work with artists, she’s equally gifted at assembling the right team and playing her role with precision.
Since 2023, Beverly has served as Co-Manager and A&R for Mavo, steering one of the most promising new acts in African music and building his sound and brand into a movement. She also leads as Head of Marketing & PR Strategy at FreeMe Digital, where she drives campaigns and rollouts that continue to shape how African music is distributed and consumed.Her creative range extends further: as a stylist, creative director and as a brand developer, she specializes in building distinct artist identities and cultural worlds that live far beyond the music.
Beverly is, at her core, a builder of artists, of teams, and of visions — achieving what many executives strive for but few ever master.
Written by Tobi Tej – Creative Director, Wxrking Tilte. Project Lead, ENGAGE Label Services.
OKAFOR Chidera
At a young age, Chidera is already proving what vision, resilience, and discipline can achieve. A Civil Engineering graduate turned entrepreneur, talent manager, and business director, he represents the new wave of young leaders shaping the creative and business landscapes in Nigeria.
As Co-Manager of Mavo and his independent label, KRL, Dera as he’s fondly called has played a pivotal role in steering strategic growth, branding, and career development positioning Mavo as one of the most promising emerging forces in the music industry. His ability to merge creativity with structure makes him a rare kind of manager in today’s fast-paced entertainment scene. Beyond music, Chidera serves as a Director at Blessed Ifenna Business Concept, where he brings sharp insight into business, real estate, and management further showcasing his versatility and leadership. It’s no surprise that his dedication and impact earned him this recognition and it’s a testament to his hard work and the great heights still ahead of him.
As his mentor, I’m incredibly proud of his journey so far, and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning of an extraordinary legacy
Written by Lucky Freeman — Talent scout, Developer & Manager
Ogunyinka “PartyJollof” H.
Ogunyinka H., popularly known as “PartyJollof,” is a disruptive force celebrated for his distinctive ability to discover fresh talent, deliver innovative rollout executions and develop brands that stand out in the music landscape. As the founder of Alt Music, he has built a company achieving great results in a short time.
Knowing him and his eye for innovation and creativity, his exploits in the music industry haven’t been surprising. His unique approach to brand building and campaign strategy have set him apart as one of the most forward-thinking brains in the Afrobeats space. With a track record of breaking out chart-topping talents —including names like Brown Joel and Kunmie, PJ has played a key role in shaping the global expansion of Afrobeats from his creative hub. His contributions to the rise of talents across a broad spectrum of creative disciplines have seen him impact the journeys of influencers, music artistes, producers and creators like myself in a positive way.
Beyond music business, PJ is deeply committed to the spirit of entrepreneurship and passionate about showcasing his creative palette in different forms. His work reflects a blend of strategy, foresight, and a vast education (I didn’t expect him to do his masters!😅) ensuring that every project he touches delivers positive results.
Written by Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel (Shankcomics)
Ilonwa ‘Giddi’ Chidera
Ilonwa Chidera, fondly known as Giddi, is an entertainment journalist, A&R, music marketing strategist and Audience development specialist whose work sits at the crossroads of storytelling and sound. With a flair for shaping narratives that resonate, he currently spearheads initiatives at HypeTribeNG, a media platform amplifying Afrobeats artists and promoting African pop culture to both global & Local audiences. Before this, he contributed to Afrikan Radar, where he led marketing and content strategy, solidifying his reputation as a bridge between artists and their audiences.
Over the years, Giddi has curated multiple recording camps in Akure and offered consultancy to a range of upcoming artists across Nigeria. His hands-on experience with the underground scene gives him a unique vantage point: he understands both the artistry and the mechanics needed to turn raw talent into cultural currency.
Driven by a vision larger than himself, Giddi is committed to making Afrobeats a global force to reckon with, while also ensuring that underground artists have the same fair playing field as their peers in more developed industries. With his sharp instincts, creative daring, and unwavering belief in the future of African music, he continues to champion the voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Written by Elochukwu Dominion – Content Writer at HypeTribeNG
AbdulGafar Olaniyan
AbdulGafar Olaniyan is a young Technology and Digital marketing professional first, before a music executive. His ability to study data and infuse tech solutions and structure has given him a clear edge with his approach and consistent results in the music industry.
As Co-Founder of CiDAR Africa, he's been able to contribute to the success of Ayo Maff, Kunmie, FIDO & Kidd Carder in just 3 years of it's operations. With marketing success stories with the likes Shoday, Wizard Chan & DARKOO.
OlaniyanGafar is crucial to what is probably the fastest growing indigenous music distribution outfit in Africa.
Written by Olamide Olaitan "GidiGroove" - CoFounder, Gidigroove Experiences LTD.
Itohowo “Itty” Okim
I’ve worked with Itty since 2021 and it’s been such a great journey. The first encounter was in his capacity as Managing Editor of DigiMillennials, and since then, he has been actively involved in shaping the brand narratives of names like Yemi Alade, Gimba, Ademola Falomo, Yimeeka and many others through his creative agency, Spare Keys Inc.
With five years experience as a journalist (bylines in OkayAfrica, Nataal, GRM Daily et al.) and now a trained pharmacist, Itty’s ability to balance multiple careers at the same time makes him one of a kind, working as media manager to Limoblaze and playing an active role at shaping the afrogospel scene since 2020. His work with new gen creative filmmakers cannot be overlooked, but seeing him bring an idea to life at even 2am without too much talking makes him a favourite. I think everybody needs an Itty.
Written by Olajumoke “Cake” Olayiwola — Lawyer, Creative Executive - Whisk & Crave
Kini-Abasi Edet
In a dynamic industry that demands both immense talent and unwavering character, Kini-Abasi Edet has proven to possess both in abundance. His journey is a compelling testament to ambition and dedication. In 2022, fresh from completing his NYSC, Kini-Abasi moved to Lagos to join our team and immediately began to distinguish himself with a rare combination of intellectual curiosity and a relentless work ethic.
As Head of Operations at CIIFA Limited, he has since become the operational linchpin behind our most significant initiatives. His strategic oversight was instrumental in the successful execution of three consecutive editions of the Music Business Academy for Africa (2022, 2023, & 2024). Furthermore, he was a vital part of the team that delivered high-stakes projects like the Intellectual Property Workshop in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Amplified Bootcamp for the French Embassy. Having had the privilege of mentoring him since his arrival, I have watched him evolve from a promising young talent into a formidable strategist.
What truly sets him apart is not just his ability to manage complex projects, but the integrity and calm, decisive authority with which he executes projects assigned to him. Kini-Abasi is a builder, a problem-solver.. This recognition is a definitive indicator of a future leader who is already leaving an indelible mark on the African creative ecosystem. He is just getting started.
Written by Godwin Tom – Founder, CIIFA/CTF, Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing Nigeria
Blessing “BiBi” Oreunomhe
Blessing “Bibi” Oreunomhe is a multitalented creative as well as an exceptional human. As a label manager, Bibi understands what needs to be done, when and why. She carries out her duties with a high level of calmness, efficiency, and prudence.
I am very proud of her growth and believe she will do great things.
Written by Marshall Onaemo — President, KeyQaad.
Inioluwa “Ini Cash” Olu-Owotade
Inioluwa Olu-Owotade, commonly known as “Ini Cash,” is one of the defining social media influencers and internet comedians of his era, commanding the attention of audiences both young and old worldwide. With more than 500M views and 1.5M followers across his platforms, Ini has built one of the most powerful digital communities today. He has also partnered with Spotify, Puma, Instagram, FanDuel, Cheetos, Amazon MGM Studios and more, transforming digital stardom into a thriving business empire. Beyond his own platform, Ini has become a catalyst for Afrobeats’ digital success as his viral videos and campaigns have been instrumental in breaking records, amplifying hits, and supporting A-list artists on their global marketing pushes. In many ways, he has been a key force in Afrobeats’ digital expansion to the world.
Ini is also a dynamic event host and creator: his viral “ShutUp & Dance” party series with Justin UG has toured North America to sold-out crowds, while the pair also co-host the popular “Bro Bants” podcast. He has additionally hosted arena concerts for Asake, Rema, and leading Afrobeats festivals like AfroFuture and AfroPlus Fest.
As he expands his creative footprint into acting for television and film, Ini continues to embody the limitless potential of Africa’s new creative generation.
Written by Seun Babalola – Manager to Ini Cash, Founder, S97 Talent
Osinachi “Nachii” Ibeh
Ibeh Favour Osinachi began her career at just 19, stepping into the music industry as a road manager for Blackculture, a super rising producer. She has since grown into one of the most influential young forces in Nigerian music marketing. She has led digital campaigns for top stars including Wande Coal, Wizkid, Joeboy, Victony, Shallipopi, AV, Famous Pluto, and Zerry DL. Her consistency and strategic vision led to a major milestone—securing a seven-figure U.S. distribution deal for Kida Kudz, whom she also briefly managed.
At 22, Osinachi serves as the Global Marketing Manager for Shallipopi and Plutomania Records, working in partnership with RCA and Sony Music. She also doubles as Shallipopi’s Tour Manager, overseeing seamless execution of shows and tours worldwide.
Now Business Manager to Black Culture, Nachii Oversees Contract / Negotiation Support, Risk & Royalty Management. Also Assisting in Community Management & Marketing at PATTA, a Globally Recognized Streetwear Brand Founded in Amsterdam, with Chapter Store in Lagos, Nigeria.
Beyond these roles, she is the founder of PEEPS, a digital marketing agency with a young team of seven professionals, running campaigns across Nigeria and beyond. Her vision is rooted in creating opportunities for the next generation, opening doors for young people to build careers and shape the future of African entertainment.
Written By Adewumi Adeyanju – CEO/Founder, Biesloaded Nigeria