( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Chocolate City Music Celebrates with Launch of Founder Fund Supporting the Next Generation of Female Entertainment Entrepreneurs
ENSPIRE Contributor: Camila Lizardo
On July 2, 2024, Chocolate City Music celebrated its 20th anniversary. During this event, they announced the upcoming launch of Nutrybe Academy and the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund, which will debut in 2025. Moreover, the Nutrybe Academy and the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund are two new projects that will be launched to commemorate their 20th anniversary. This announcement comes after their first-ever BET Awards participation in collaboration with Afr!Ca Haus. They also hope these two new launches will help others further their careers and lives.
Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori founded Chocolate City Music in Nigeria in 2005. This label is considered one of the most successful native urban record labels in Africa. Chocolate City was the first Nigerian music group to receive recognition from the British Council. Among the Chocolate City Music label artists are Young Jonn, Candy Bleakz, Blaq Bonez, and many others. Chocolate City works with many organizations in this industry to honor, respect, and promote Nigeria.
The Hollywood Hills hosted Chocolate City Music’s 20th anniversary celebration. Alongside the BET awards and Afr!Ca Haus, to commemorate Black Music Month, brought together black people and those of African and Caribbean heritage. Furthermore, several executives and creatives from many industries, such as fashion, music, arts, and so on, were invited to this invite-only function. Rapper Papoose, comedian Michael Blackson, YG Marley, who performed with Lauryn Hill at the BET Awards, and many more musicians joined the party, which drew over 400 attendees.
In addition, the Nutrybe Academy is mainly focused on being able to promote African music. They seek applicants for various executive and creative roles in the music industry, including producers and creative directors. The objective is to raise awareness of African music and establish conditions supporting its continued success. Moreover, the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund is dedicated to developing and supporting the next generation of music business owners by providing supplies and financial assistance. This fund is concentrated explicitly on female entrepreneurs.
The Chocolate City Group has played a big role in developing and promoting Afrobeats, helping African music become famous globally. The founders’ dedication has also turned Chocolate City into a diverse and incredible entertainment company. Moreover, their 20th anniversary and their new upcoming projects are evidence of their dedication to developing the next generation of industry leaders and supporting African music.
To learn more about Chocolate Music City, visit the website and Instagram page.
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