24th April, 2015
Funsho Arogundade
It was an emotional moment for many at the just concluded Nigerian Entertainment Conference 2015 held at Oceanview grounds of Eko Hotels & Suites, when Audu Maikori, CEO, Chocolate City Music, announced his plans to retire in June this year.
According to Maikori, his decision was based on the need to further strengthen the company and inject new ideas into the system.
“I have headed Chocolate City for the past 10 years and it’s been the most amazing period of my life despite the many challenges that came with it. There were times I would get home and wished I wouldn’t have to go to work the next day. Some other times, artistes will need money and even though unavailable, we still have to find a way,” Maikori said.
He continued: “At this point I have decided to step down as CEO of Chocolate City to allow for the younger generation to steer the ship. My resignation takes effect from June, but I won’t disclose who will take over from me until then.”
Maikori’s shocker came shortly after one of his label’s superstars and speaker at the confab, M.I. spoke explicitly about why record labels will continue to operate in the industry for a long time to come.
“At Chocolate City, we have adopted what I will like to call the ‘360 Degree’ approach. This caters for the artiste as a brand in totality and seeks to promote and better his craft, sales, management, endorsement as well as appeal to fans, rather than just sell his albums,” M.I. said.
The record label currently boasts well over 10 artistes including M.I., Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Ruby Gyang, Nosa, Victoria Kimani, Loose Kaynon, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo and others.