Meet Eric Idiahi, The Brain Behind Spinlet...The company that's revolutionizing music distribution in Nigeria

Through its mobile music download and streaming application, Spinlet takes music to where Nigerians are - on their mobile phones, where they can buy, listen to, share and manage music with one user-friendly mobile platform. Working with major artists in Nigeria including 2face Idibia, Banky W, Wizkid, Eldee, MI and Ice Prince to name a few, Spinlet is helping to distribute their music while curbing illegal downloads. Spinlet also helps up-and-coming artists build a fan base by distributing their music alongside more established acts.

Idiahi came to Spinlet by way of a background in business coupled with a passion for music. Young, stylish, innovative and purpose driven, this native of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria started writing songs and performing for anyone who would listen from the tender age of six. His parents envisioned for him a career in business, however, and he went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas.

After that, he joined with partners in founding several companies, including the Fountain Head Media Group, an independent investment and advisory firm focused on the Technology, Media and Telecom sectors in Nigeria. In 2008 he co-founded Verod Capital Management Ltd., an investment firm focused on investing in attractive greenfield opportunities in Africa. In 2010, Verod took note of Spinlet and gave them their first round of financial backing.

Idiahi, who also serves on the board of directors for several other companies in the Verod portfolio, believed so strongly in Spinlet's mission and potential that he joined the company that same year. Spurred by his love for the art and the need to solve distribution problems in Nigeria - while helping to curb piracy and enable musicians and their labels to make money - he shaped Spinlet with those ambitious goals in mind.

Under Idiahi's leadership, Spinlet made a splash in June with its exclusive release of the debut EME all-stars album, Empire Mates State of Mind. Spinlet also sponsored Ice Prince's collaboration with internationally acclaimed reggae artist Gyptian, and sponsored the appearances of 2face, Ice Prince, Naeto C and others at the globally famous SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas - a neck of the woods Eric is no doubt familiar with from his university days nearby in Houston. Under Eric's leadership, Spinlet has also supported dozens of local Nigerian artists with the use of recording facilities and access to promotional opportunities.

Eric Idiahi may be cool, calm and quiet on the surface, but his ambitions speak loud and clear through Spinlet. Eric's love for music and understanding of business and technology are bringing smiles to the faces of both musicians and consumers of music alike.

Pulse.com.ng is proud to be associated with this achiever, be inspired!