Audu Maikori high quality African entertainment today? Meet Audu Maikori, a pioneer and promoter of Afrobeat music , media and entertainment Entrepreneur & entertainment lawyer focused on film, Esports and TV. I have since diversified into Esports, and film and it’s such an exciting space watching the fast-changing landscape knowing that its not only fulfilling but also creates wealth and jobs for many young people- and its even more exciting operating from one of the most exciting cities in the world – New York! And initially it seemed a little overwhelming but the same principles apply in every project or job or work- put your head down, listen, learn and work hard, and eventually things will work out. So I simply applied the principles I learned in music, transaction advisory, and deal structuring to Esports and its so very fulfilling to see the outcomes.
Audu Maikori is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, lawyer and creative industry expert. Born in Kaduna, Nigeria , he attended the prestigious King’s College Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. He has served as legal counsel in several corporations including Chief Afe Babalola SAN & Co, Leasing Company of Nigeria (a subsidiary of Bank of Industry), Abuja Markets Management Limited and was Senior Legal consultant with CPCS Transcom International (a Canadian infrastructure advisory firm) where he was lead counsel for major Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE)/World Bank funded projects including the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reforms, Abuja Rail Mass Transit system and the Lagos Blue Line Rail Mass Transit project.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more? I am involved in several businesses and my role differs in each of them- but for the purpose of this conversation – you can say that like every entrepreneur – when the business(Chocolate City Music) started – I was involved in a lot of the ideation, strategy and visioning alongside my partners Paul and Yahaya but as CEO I was involved in mostly executing our vision – the vision then was to create a local company that could help talented youth to achieve their artistic and creative dreams commercially without losing their authenticity.
Audu Maikori: Even till today, I am still overcoming it. You must face challenges at every stage of your progress. The only difference is that as you get more successful, maybe the challenges will change but they are all equally challenges. But the first thing that helped me overcome the challenges is that right from the beginning, I didn’t start as one entrepreneur. I had partners. I had Yahaya Maikori (my brother) and Paul Okeugo, whom we sat together and created this company. We worked hard to build it together. So at every point, like when I am down then Paul can support. If Paul is down then Yahaya can support. Three heads are better than one.
It’s been a busy last few weeks for Group CEO of Chocolate City Entertainment, Audu Maikori. Once you mention that you’re from Nigeria, their eyes light up, and they say, “Wow! Nigeria, we’ve heard so much!”. He credits the ubiquity of African culture in mainstream media for this change in reaction, pointing to defining cultural events such as Black Panther, and the unprecedented growth of the Afrobeats genre.
Mr. Maikori stated, “I am truly honored and excited about joining ESAIYO Inc and working with such a visionary team to help solve everyday problems using blockchain technology, interconnectivity of objects and the power of storytelling . I believe that SIO’s are the future. In my view, the ground breaking work ESAIYO is doing has the potential to redefine numerous industries across the globe.” Audu Maikori is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, social activist, public speaker and creative industry expert. He hails from Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State. He is the Founder of one of the biggest record label and entertainment companies in Africa, Chocolate City. The label is well-known for producing popular artistes such as M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Jeremiah Gyang, Djinee, Brymo, Femi Kuti, Ckay and Blaq Bonez, just to mention a few. Discover additional details at Audu Maikori.