TurnTable Charts Unveils 2022 30 Under 30 Power Players in Nigerian Music

Released in celebration of International Youth Day 2022, the list spotlights a new generation of music executives, strategists, curators, cultural commentators, marketers, community builders, and label leaders driving Nigeria’s global music dominance from behind the scenes.

Notably, the inaugural class reflects the expanding architecture of the Nigerian music industry, from music data and community building to live events, talent management, journalism, PR, dance, label services, and distribution.

As Afrobeats continues to achieve unprecedented global acceptance, the list underscores the importance of young professionals redefining legacy systems while building new sectors within the ecosystem.

As Ayomide Oriowo writes, “The TurnTable 30 Under 30 Power Players is a celebration of thirty young Nigerians in music, who have distinguished themselves as individuals changing, shaping, elevating, and breaking new grounds in Afrobeats.”

The 2022 honorees include founders, editors-in-chief, strategists, booking managers, senior label executives, marketing leads, and creative consultants across Nigeria’s most influential music platforms and organizations.

1. Chioma Okoro — Founder, Synnex Entertainment

2. Idara Owodiong-Idemeko — Chief Strategy, PR & Marketing Officer, FreeMe Digital

3. Honour Aghedo — Booking Manager & Creative Designer

4. Excel Joab — Creative Consultant

5. Melody Hassan — Assistant Head of Music, City FM

6. Olamide Ademeso — Marketing Sales Admin, Empire

7. Bimbo Babatola — Head of Data, TurnTable Charts

8. Tami Makinde — Managing Editor, Native

9. Dolapo Amusat — Founder, WeTalkSound

10. Moyo J. Onipede — WeTalkSound & BackstageNG

11. Taiwo Olabode — Editor-in-Chief, 49th Street

12. Emmanuel Owoniyi — Music Curator & Partner Afrobeats To The World Community

13. Nasir Ahmed Achile — Editor-in-Chief, More Branches

14. Damilola Animashaun — HBIC, Native

15. Tolu Daniels — Events Host

16. Adedayo Laketu — Editor-in-Chief, More Branches

17. Ini Baderinwa — Co-founder, TXT & Talent Management

18. Temitayo Adeyemi — Admin & Strategist, Plug NG

19. Babatunde Oluokun — Longitude Promotions & Azuri Music

20. Izzy Odigie — Dance Creative

21. Deola A. Jaiyesimi — Senior Label Manager, The Orchard Music

22. Kyellu Tsamdu — Head, Bookings, Tours & Live Events, emPawa Africa

23. Pheabian Miller — Client Service, Clout Africa

24. Dennis Ade Peter — Editor, Native

25. Amara Agwu — Talent Management

26. Adeayo Adebiyi — Journalist, Pulse NG

27. Stephanie Okocha — Team Lead, Panda Entertainment

28. Fadehan Okpeseyi — Lead PR/Communications, Panda Entertainment

29. Victor Okpala — Artiste & Label Partnership Manager, West Africa, Spotify

30. Bernard Nwankwo — Head of Sales & Distribution, Chocolate City

Collectively, this class reflects the operational core of Nigeria’s music ecosystem, the leaders transforming cultural momentum into lasting industry infrastructure.

As Afrobeats continues its global rise, these 30 under-30 leaders demonstrate that the future of Nigerian music is not only in its sound but in the hands of a generation shaping the industry with vision, strategy, and innovation.