Chocolate City executives — Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, Aibee Abidoye, and Ifeyinwa Anyadiegwu — shared insights into the growth and future of African music during a fireside session at Entertainment Week Africa 2025.
The session, titled “Blueprint of a Powerhouse: Lessons in Building an African Music Empire,” offered attendees a rare look into the company’s strategies for scaling music businesses on the continent and beyond.
The panel emphasized the importance of rights management and revenue diversification. The executives explained how understanding publishing, sync licensing, and other rights streams is crucial for creating sustainable business models. They also highlighted that African music has gone global, accelerated by social media and diaspora networks, making strategic thinking and innovation essential, according to a statement.
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Artist development and branding were key topics. Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Group, underscored the need to develop talent holistically — from sound quality and songwriting to production, vocal training, and brand identity. “Hits are great, but longevity requires structure,” he said. “Artists must stand for something and build lasting connections with their audiences.”
Looking to the future, the statement said Chocolate City is investing heavily in technology, AI, and data-driven systems to enhance talent discovery, marketing, and operations. “Additionally, the company is making a major move into film, taking over and rebuilding existing infrastructure, including a film school. A world-class sound post-production facility is set to launch in Q1 2026, aiming to close technical gaps in Nigeria’s creative industries.
In a major announcement, Audu Maikori, Executive Chairman of Chocolate City Group, revealed that the Founders Fund will go live next year, offering emerging entrepreneurs across music, fashion, design, and entertainment access to training, mentorship, and financial support. The panel concluded on an optimistic note about the broader African creative ecosystem, with the executives stressing that the industry is still in its early stages and poised for unprecedented growth.
