Mr Eazi’s Businesses That Many Nigerians Do Not Know About: A Hidden Empire Across 18 African Countries
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, better known as Mr Eazi, has long been celebrated as a pioneer of “Banku music”—a fusion of Nigerian and Ghanaian sounds that propelled him to global fame with hits like “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over.” But beneath the Afrobeats star’s polished image lies a sprawling entrepreneurial empire that’s often overshadowed by his music career. At 34, Mr Eazi commands a net worth of around $6 million, with music accounting for just 20% of his income. The rest? A diverse portfolio of ventures spanning tech, finance, entertainment, and more—active in 18 African countries, as revealed by billionaire Aliko Dangote at Mr Eazi’s recent wedding to Temi Otedola.
Many Nigerians view him primarily as a musician, but his business acumen dates back to his early 20s, when he dabbled in ventures like soft drinks imports, gold mining, and food distribution before breaking into music. Today, his companies drive impact in creative industries, fintech, and beyond, often flying under the radar. Here’s a deep dive into the lesser-known facets of his empire, based on recent revelations and reports.
1. emPawa Africa: The Music Incubator Powering Afrobeats’ Next Generation
Founded in 2018, emPawa Africa is Mr Eazi’s flagship music label and publishing company, designed to nurture emerging African talent with funding, mentorship, and distribution. It’s not just a record deal—it’s a full ecosystem, offering artists equity stakes, masterclasses, and global exposure.
The platform has launched stars like Joeboy (whose debut single “Baby” topped Apple Music charts in Nigeria and Uganda) and has supported over 100 artists across Africa. In 2019, emPawa hosted a high-profile masterclass in South Africa with mentors like Diplo and Raye, turning unsigned talents into chart-toppers. While Nigerians know Mr Eazi’s hits, fewer are aware emPawa has invested in partnerships like Cinch Distro with Vydia (a music tech firm), processing millions in streams without the fanfare.
Operating in multiple countries, emPawa embodies Mr Eazi’s vision of “flipping culture into capital,” blending music with business to create sustainable careers. It’s quietly reshaping Afrobeats, with a footprint in at least 10 African nations.
2. Zagadat Capital: The Venture Fund Betting Big on African Tech and Creatives
Launched in 2022, Zagadat Capital is Mr Eazi’s venture capital syndicate, focusing on early-stage African startups in tech, media, and entertainment. Backed by his personal network, it invests in companies that intersect with creative industries, turning cultural trends into scalable businesses.
The portfolio is impressive and under-the-radar: BetPawa (a sports betting platform), Ruka Hair (beauty tech), Decagon (edtech), Apata (HR software), Turf (real estate), Choplife Limited (lifestyle brand), Eden Life (home services), Paisa (fintech), and Shoobs (event tech). These investments span 18 countries, from Nigeria to Rwanda, often in sectors Nigerians might not associate with a musician—like edtech and HR tools.
Zagadat’s approach is hands-on; Mr Eazi draws from his Harvard Business School studies to mentor founders, aiming to build “the Disney of Africa” under his Chop Life umbrella. While high-profile exits like potential Vydia ties (though not directly owned) generate buzz, the fund’s quiet backing of agritech and healthtech remains lesser-known. It’s a testament to his shift from artist to “creative entrepreneur,” as Pulse Ghana dubbed him.
3. PawaPay: Revolutionizing African Payments from the UK
Co-founded in 2021, PawaPay is Mr Eazi’s boldest fintech play—a UK-based payment platform tailored for Africa’s mobile money ecosystem. As CEO, he oversees operations that have processed over $1 billion in transactions in just four years, raising millions in seed funding.
Targeting cross-border payments, PawaPay simplifies remittances and e-commerce for Africans, integrating with local wallets like MTN MoMo. Nigerians might know Mr Eazi’s music tours, but fewer realize his role in fintech—especially since it’s headquartered abroad, blending his global vision with continental roots. The company operates in key markets like Ghana and Nigeria, quietly powering transactions that rival big banks.
4. Chop Life Ventures: Gaming, Events, and Lifestyle Branding
Under the Chop Life brand, Mr Eazi has expanded into gaming and events—areas far from his music persona. Chop Life Gaming, launched in 2022, is a pan-African lottery and betting company, tapping into the continent’s booming iGaming market.
Complementing this is Chop Life SoundSystem, a cultural platform blending music events, tours, and lifestyle products. The 2023 live tour with DJ Edu fused Afrobeats with immersive experiences, but its business side—sponsorships and merch—drives revenue across events in multiple countries. Nigerians might see it as a party brand, but it’s a full ecosystem, including stakes in sports like Cape Town Tigers (basketball) and Rayon Sports FC (soccer).
These ventures highlight his “Disney of Africa” ambition, turning cultural moments into profitable brands.
5. Real Estate and Hospitality: Quiet Investments in Nigeria and Ghana
Mr Eazi’s real estate portfolio is one of his most discreet assets. He has confirmed stakes in properties across Nigeria and Ghana, including luxury developments tied to Chop Life. Hospitality ventures, like branded lounges and short-term rentals, blend with his lifestyle brand, but details remain low-key—likely to avoid the spotlight on his music.
Early experiments in e-commerce and club promotion evolved into these stableholds, providing passive income in volatile markets. With operations in 18 countries, these could include agritech or healthtech plays yet to surface publicly.
Why These Businesses Fly Under the Radar: The Mr Eazi Effect
Mr Eazi’s ventures thrive in obscurity because he prioritizes impact over hype. “Music is just 20%—the rest is building,” he shared in a recent statement. His marriage to Temi Otedola has amplified his profile, but Dangote’s toast—”I never knew you had businesses in 18 countries”—underscored the surprise factor.
On X, reactions mix admiration and skepticism: One user praised his “vision and execution,” while another quipped, “Nobody lies like rich people.” Yet, his model—inspired by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation—shows artists can be moguls, creating jobs and ecosystems.
The Bigger Picture: Mr Eazi as Africa’s Jay-Z
Mr Eazi isn’t just a musician—he’s a blueprint for African creatives turning talent into capital. With ventures in 18 countries, he’s invested in over a dozen startups, processed billions in payments, and launched stars, all while keeping a low profile. As he told Forbes, “One cannot live without the other”—music fuels business, and vice versa.
For Nigerians, this reveals a side of Mr Eazi beyond the charts: A strategic builder driving continental impact. As his empire grows, expect more reveals—proving Dangote right: He’s calm, loyal, and quietly conquering Africa.
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