12th June, 2022
By Segun Agbaso
When discussing some of the sectors that are instrumental to Nigeria’s GDP, law, business, media, and entertainment play germane roles. The legal sector regulates business operations and intellectual property, ensuring a fair environment for commerce and creative industries. Business drives economic growth and innovation, while the media promotes Nigerian culture, highlighting its music, fashion, and art to global audiences.
The Nigerian entertainment industry, a growing force in the world, contributes significantly to the economy and cultural influence of the country. These sectors are interconnected, fostering creativity and economic progress. Samson Jikeme, through his work, exemplifies the integration of these industries in Nigeria.
Samson Jikeme is a dynamic and versatile professional whose career seamlessly integrates his passion for law, business, media, and the entertainment industry. Samson’s legal career is as impressive as his public image. While he was the head of E-Business and Entertainment Law at Plaiedes and Craigs LP, he was a driving force in the industry. His expertise spans digital business, intellectual property, and entertainment law, making him a sought-after advisor for clients in the creative and media industries. Samson has a proven track record of expertly handling complex legal matters, particularly in the entertainment sector.
The rapidly growing Nigerian music and entertainment industry demands sharp, young legal experts to uphold its professional standards. Samson not only possesses the expertise and youthful energy required but also exudes the charisma essential for the industry. As an entertainment lawyer deeply familiar with the Nigerian scene, Samson leverages his strong negotiation skills to handle matters with discretion and integrity. His vast network enhances his reputation, positioning him as a key player in the industry.
While his work is centered around music, it also extends to film, television, sports, theater, and digital media, making him a revered entertainment lawyer in the Nigerian Entertainment industry. Samson’s expert knowledge of contract law and intellectual property safeguards his clients’ interests, ensuring they get the best possible deals and legal protection in the competitive Nigerian entertainment industry.
Also, as the Co-Founder and Creative Director of the media platform Afrocritik, he plays an essential role in promoting African arts and culture on a global stage. Afrocritik, launched in June 2021, highlights the richness of African creativity, showcasing the best in African music, fashion, movies, and art. Under Samson’s leadership, the platform has achieved staggering feats for its insightful content and its ability to foster collaborations between emerging African talents and established global players.
Born in Surulere, Lagos, he hails from Ika, Delta State. Samson’s journey into the world of media and entertainment was driven by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and cultural representation. After completing his primary education at Evergreen Royal Private School, Onike, Yaba, and secondary education at Bellina College, Akoka, Lagos, Samson pursued a degree in law from the University of Benin, where he graduated with an LL.B in 2012. His legal education culminated in his qualification as a Barrister and Solicitor from the Nigerian Law School in 2013. Jokingly, he’s fondly called “The Law” as Nigerians often refer to their lawyer friends. However, he is a barrister par excellence who is above his peers, with his integrated sectors and achieved feats.
Samson started out in the media professionally after law school when he pursued a Digital Media program at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, from 2016 to 2017. With this further education, he was better equipped with skills in digital design, production, management, and communication, ultimately leading him to co-found Afrocritik. Samson was inspired to create the platform as a means of celebrating African excellence through music, fashion, art, and more. Apart from this reason, Samson believes in the expression of self through diverse means, which arts strongly enable.
In his pursuit of knowledge and more expertise, Samson furthered his legal knowledge by earning a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Business and Entertainment Law from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, in 2019. His international legal training, combined with his creative insight, places him at the crossroads of media innovation and law, making him a key figure in shaping Africa’s evolving digital and entertainment landscapes. Also, with his rare personality in these integrated sectors, his feats cement his place as one of the highly sought-after and experienced entertainment lawyers in his country and in Africa.
Samson is revered too for his ingenuity in diverse arts. A passionate critic of music and culture, Samson is known for his thoughtful analysis and nuanced perspectives on the African entertainment industry. His role models, including Jay Z, Ernest Paul, and Kobe Bryant, reflect his drive for excellence in business, law, and creative ventures.
Apart from his intellectuality in arts, Samson is also an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying activities such as gym workouts, basketball, golf, and tennis in his leisure time. His attention to detail in his critiques, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence in both law and business, further amplifies his influence in the ever-evolving landscape of African music and entertainment.
In addition to his legal and media pursuits, Samson co-produces and hosts the Afrocritik weekly music spaces on X (formerly Twitter), titled “AfrocritikSpaces”, where he discusses trends in the African music scene, providing a platform for open discussions on creative growth and new talent discovery. His insights help shape the narratives around African music, driving critical conversations that impact the industry.
One of Samson Jikeme’s future endeavors is the launch of a new column on Afrocritik titled “Let’s Talk Music Business.” This initiative is designed to offer an in-depth exploration of the music industry, serving as a valuable resource for music professionals, regular listeners, and anyone interested in the business side of the art form. Through this column, Samson aims to demystify the complexities of the music business, providing insights on topics such as royalties, contracts, artistes management, and industry business trends. His vision is to create a platform where knowledge is shared and aspiring talents are empowered with the tools they need to navigate the ever-evolving music landscape.
Samson Jikeme’s multifaceted career stands as a testament to his passion for African culture and his commitment to shaping the future of media, business, and entertainment law on the continent. His ability to seamlessly integrate his legal acumen with his creative vision has made him a driving force in both fields, fostering collaborations that elevate African talent to the global stage.
As Afrocritik continues to grow under his leadership, Samson remains dedicated to advocating for African excellence and ensuring that the continent’s cultural wealth is represented and appreciated worldwide. With a dynamic career that bridges multiple industries, Samson’s journey will continue to shape the future of African media and entertainment for years to come.
