A known fact? Africa’s creative economy is booming. An economy that has become a symphony of rhythm, style, and storytelling that has gone far beyond its borders. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Accra to Nairobi, a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs is reshaping how the world sees Africa, not just as a source of raw talent, but as a hub of world-class creativity and business excellence.

This isn’t just about the music that fills the charts, the fashion that turns heads, or the movies that capture global audiences. It’s about the architects behind the scenes — the sharp minds turning artistic passion into sustainable enterprises. These are the executives, founders, and visionaries who understand that talent alone isn’t enough; business strategy, innovation, and global vision are what turn creative sparks into global movements.

In music, the African sound has become a global language, with powerhouses transforming talent into transcendent brands and bridging the gap between continents, proving that African leadership is as exportable as its artistry.

In film, African storytellers are backed by production minds who understand the delicate dance between art and commerce, pushing Nollywood and other African industries into new eras of global relevance. Meanwhile, African fashion continues to rise, driven by visionary designers and brand builders whose work celebrates the continent’s cultural richness while redefining luxury on their own terms.

We take a deep dive into the business of creativity, where innovation meets culture, and where the new moguls of African entertainment are proving that passion and profit can indeed coexist beautifully.

 

 Muyiwa Awoniyi — The Vision Behind Tems’ Global Rise

Muyiwa Awoniyi is the man who helped transform Tems from a promising Nigerian singer into one of the most globally recognised voices of this generation. As the co-founder of The Leading Vibe Ltd., a management and creative company he established alongside Tems, Muyiwa’s entrepreneurial instincts go beyond traditional artist management. He has built a brand that represents intentional artistry, global relevance, and African excellence.

Under his watch, Tems has seamlessly crossed borders, from local success in Lagos to Grammy-winning global acclaim, all while maintaining authenticity. Muyiwa’s approach to business centres around structure, strategy, and sustainability. He understands the balance between art and enterprise, ensuring that every creative decision aligns with long-term brand growth.

Beyond Tems, he’s become an emerging voice in Africa’s entertainment business ecosystem, advocating for better artist representation, smarter contracts, and innovation-driven management. His vision is clear: to create a generation of African artists who not only perform on the world stage but also own their narratives and enterprises. Muyiwa Awoniyi is not just managing a superstar; he’s building a movement that’s redefining what it means to be a creative entrepreneur in African music.

 

Tega Oghenejobo: Steering Mavin’s Global Expansion

When it comes to defining the modern Nigerian music business, Tega Oghenejobo, popularly known as Tega Mavin, stands tall as one of the industry’s sharpest executives. As the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mavin Records, Tega’s vision transcends just music — it’s about building a brand that’s global, structured, and sustainable.

Mavin, founded by Don Jazzy, has evolved from a hit-making label into a full-fledged entertainment company with a global presence. And much of that success can be credited to Tega’s leadership. Under his watch, Mavin has developed a distinct operational model that prioritises artist development, brand partnerships, and digital strategy. He’s turned Mavin into more than a label — it’s a culture engine powering Afrobeats’ global rise.

Tega’s business acumen lies in creating systems that allow artists like Ayra Starr, Rema, Ladipoe, and Crayon to flourish while maintaining Mavin’s creative integrity. He’s also a firm believer in collaboration, working with international distributors and forging partnerships that position Mavin as Africa’s blueprint for the future of record labels.

From negotiating international deals to driving marketing innovation, Tega has proven that behind every chart-topping Afrobeats hit is a business mind shaping the sound and strategy of a new generation

 

Tunji Balogun: The Visionary Powering Afrobeats’ Global Ascent

When conversations about Afrobeats’ global takeover come up, one name that quietly but powerfully resonates behind the scenes is Tunji Balogun — the Nigerian-American music executive who’s reshaping how the world hears and experiences African sound. Currently the CEO of Def Jam Recordings, one of the most influential music labels in the world, Tunji is a force connecting Africa’s sonic soul to international airwaves.

Before stepping into his Def Jam role, Tunji had already made his mark as an A&R executive at RCA Records, where he played an instrumental role in signing and developing global superstars like Khalid, Bryson Tiller, and H.E.R. But it’s his deep connection to African music, his heritage and understanding of the Afrobeats movement,  that positioned him as a bridge between continents. Under his leadership, there’s been a growing synergy between African artists and major U.S. labels, ensuring that African music isn’t just trending but thriving on its own terms.

Balogun’s genius lies in his ability to merge business precision with cultural intuition. He recognises the rhythm of the streets and the potential of sound as exportable art. With him at the helm, the Afrobeats wave is not just a moment; it’s a movement with structure, sustainability, and global strategy. Tunji Balogun is proof that the future of African music doesn’t just sound good, it’s in very capable hands.

 

Mo Abudu — The Powerhouse Behind EbonyLife

Mo Abudu stands as one of Africa’s most influential media entrepreneurs, a visionary whose impact has reshaped storytelling across the continent. As the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, Abudu has created a world-class content empire that has placed Nigeria squarely on the global entertainment map. Her productions, from The Wedding Party to Oloture and Elesin Oba — have captured audiences far beyond Africa, breaking streaming records and landing coveted spots on global platforms like Netflix.

But Abudu’s brilliance extends far beyond creative direction, it’s rooted in strategic business thinking. EbonyLife isn’t just a production house; it’s a multimedia ecosystem spanning television, film, and now an academy nurturing young African storytellers. She has mastered the art of merging business with culture, negotiating partnerships with international giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, and BBC. For Abudu, storytelling is more than entertainment; it’s a vehicle for rebranding Africa and creating generational wealth. Her influence continues to set a golden standard for what African media entrepreneurship can achieve.

 

Yolisa Phahle — Steering Africa’s Streaming Future

As the current CEO of Showmax and the former CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Yolisa Phahle has been at the forefront of Africa’s entertainment revolution. A British-born South African with a background in music and television, Yolisa embodies innovation, adaptability, and leadership in an industry evolving faster than ever.

Her work has centred around transforming how Africans experience content, making it more local, accessible, and relatable. Under her watch, Showmax has evolved from a regional streaming platform into a continental powerhouse, boldly competing with global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. By pushing for homegrown stories and investing heavily in African originals, Yolisa has helped redefine Africa’s narrative on screen.

Yolisa’s approach to leadership is as dynamic as her background, blending artistic passion with corporate precision. She champions diversity and creativity, ensuring that African talent is not only showcased but also empowered. Through her vision, Showmax has become more than a streaming service; it’s a stage for African excellence.

 

Kagiso Lediga — The Creative Genius Behind Diprente Films

South African filmmaker, comedian, and entrepreneur Kagiso Lediga has built a name synonymous with wit, creativity, and bold storytelling. As the founder of Diprente Films, Kagiso has carved out a space for unapologetically African stories told through a lens that’s both globally relevant and authentically local.

His filmography, from the critically acclaimed Catching Feelings to the Netflix hit Queen Sono, shows his range and his ability to merge humour, intellect, and social commentary in ways that challenge conventions. But beyond directing and producing, Kagiso has proven to be a smart businessman. Diprente Films isn’t just a production company; it’s a cultural brand representing the evolution of African storytelling.

Kagiso’s work demonstrates how African creatives can own their narratives and build sustainable business models around them. His partnership with global streaming platforms has positioned Diprente as a bridge between African creativity and the international market, making him one of the key voices in the continent’s entertainment entrepreneurship landscape.

 

Omoyemi Akerele: The Visionary Behind Lagos Fashion Week

Omoyemi Akerele stands as one of the most influential forces shaping the narrative of African fashion on a global scale. As the Founder and Executive Director of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, she has transformed what began as a local fashion showcase into an international movement. Through her visionary leadership, Lagos Fashion Week has evolved into a platform that not only celebrates creativity but also nurtures the business of fashion globally.

With a background in law and image consulting, Akerele recognised early the need for structure and sustainability in Nigeria’s burgeoning fashion industry. Her work bridges the gap between design and commerce — helping designers understand global market demands while staying rooted in cultural authenticity. Under her guidance, Lagos Fashion Week has championed ethical fashion, sustainability, and craftsmanship, attracting global media, buyers, and investors.

Beyond the runway, Akerele’s Style House Files — a fashion business development agency — provides mentorship, visibility, and access to global retail opportunities for emerging African designers. From connecting brands like Lisa Folawiyo and Orange Culture to international stockists, to championing circular fashion, her impact continues to resonate far beyond the catwalk.

In Omoyemi’s world, fashion is more than aesthetics — it’s a vehicle for economic empowerment and cultural storytelling. She isn’t just curating shows; she’s architecting a future where African fashion commands its rightful place on the world stage.

 

Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: The Powerhouse Behind African Luxury And Style

Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe stands as one of Africa’s most influential women, seamlessly blending her roles as a medical doctor, philanthropist, and the driving force behind African fashion’s global rise. As the founder of African Fashion International (AFI), she has dedicated herself to positioning African designers on the world stage—bridging the gap between local creativity and international luxury.

With an eye for elegance and a deep understanding of cultural identity, Dr. Moloi-Motsepe’s work has transformed AFI’s platforms, including Cape Town and Johannesburg Fashion Week, into gateways for emerging designers to access global markets. Her vision goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about economic empowerment, gender inclusion, and rewriting the narrative of what African luxury truly means.

Beyond fashion, she co-chairs the Motsepe Foundation, which channels vast resources into health, education, and women’s empowerment initiatives across the continent. Her approach to leadership is rooted in purpose and sustainability, ensuring that every success story creates ripple effects within communities.

Dr. Moloi-Motsepe’s influence has not gone unnoticed internationally. Her presence at global fashion forums, partnerships with sustainability-driven brands, and recognition among Africa’s top women leaders underscore her commitment to redefining Africa’s image, not as a follower of trends, but as a trendsetter in global style and innovation.

A visionary at the intersection of fashion, business, and philanthropy, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe continues to prove that African excellence is not emerging; it’s already here.

 

Kola Oshalusi — Visual Storyteller

Kola Oshalusi is one of Nigeria’s leading photography entrepreneurs, combining artistry, business acumen, and vision to reshape how creative content is seen and valued across Africa. As Creative Director of Insigna Media, his visual storytelling transcends simple frames; his works across events, fashion, lifestyle, and advertising capture emotion with clarity, style, and authenticity. Born with a science-mindset, his early academic background in medical laboratory and computing equipped him with discipline and technical thinking, qualities that now feed into his photographic precision. What began largely as a self-taught skill, sharpened through short courses and observing other creatives, has grown into an influential career.

Oshalusi’s ambition didn’t stop at being behind the lens. Recognising a gap in how creatives operate, he founded the Business of Photography Conference (BOP) — a gathering that aims to raise the bar for photography’s business side in Nigeria. Through BOP, emerging photographers gain training, mentorship, exposure, and networking. He’s spoken often about how many photographers are “fantastically creative but terrible business people,” and he’s working to change that.

His published works have crossed borders and platforms, speaking to both local and global audiences. But perhaps most impactful is how he builds teams and invests in the next generation — his creative people network is as much part of his legacy as any iconic photograph. In the shifting landscape of African visual culture, Kola Oshalusi is not just capturing moments; he’s building institutions.

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