Chocolate City Music, Africa’s leading independent record label, marked the commencement of its 20th anniversary with a star-studded BET Awards activation in Los Angeles recently.
The event held in collaboration with Afr!Ca Haus served as a celebration of Black Music Month which brought together influencers across the African diaspora.
Over 400 guests attended the exclusive gathering, including executives and creatives from music, film, TV, fashion, arts, and business. Notable attendees included Nigeria’s Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika; comedian Michael Blackson; Grammy VP Marcus Lomax; singer Eric Bellinger; Shade Room CEO Angelica Nwandu; and many more.
The event was also an opportunity for Chocolate City to unveil two groundbreaking initiatives: the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund and the NuTrybe Academy.
Co-founder of Chocolate City Music, Paul Okeugo, said the founders fund will empower young creative entrepreneurs with a particular focus on females. The fund will provide financial backing and resources to foster innovation within the entertainment industry.
The initial phase will allocate up to $250,000, with plans for further expansion. The fund will officially launch in the first quarter of 2025 and open to applicants worldwide.
The NuTrybe Academy is a comprehensive developmental resource designed to nurture emerging talent on and off the stage. The academy will equip aspiring creatives with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the entertainment industry through training, mentorship, and guidance.
CEO of Chocolate City Music, AbuchiUgwu, emphasised the significance of these initiatives, stating, “We believe that Africa is a hotbed of creativity and talent. The founders’fund and NuTrybe Academy are our way of investing in the future of this continent and empowering its creative voices to reach a global audience.”
Chocolate City Music will continue its anniversary celebrations in August, commemorating two decades of musical excellence and its ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and shaping the future of African music.
