Asika Eyes Expansion of Afro Nation into New Markets

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Music executive and co-founder of Afro Nation, Mr Obi Asika, has expressed his desire to expand the platform to new markets through licensing and local partnerships.

He shared this with Africa Inc., a new series from CNN hosted by Ms Akinfemi Akinsanya.

Afro Nation Portugal is one of the world’s largest festivals dedicated to Afrobeats and African music. It has transformed from a festival into a broader entertainment business.

“My only focus will be on Africa and the wider diaspora and building entertainment and talent for it,” Mr Asika said on the programme, which aired on Monday, August 31, 2026.

During the programme, Ms Akinsanya also explored how African music has evolved into a multibillion-dollar global business, with Mr Asika noting that, “Afro Nation came about to prove a point. We wanted to prove that this audience would buy tickets anywhere, and to show that we could do something special.”

Also, the Chief Operating Officer of Lagos-based record label, Chocolate City, Ms Ibukun Aibee Abidoye, discussed how African artists and music companies are building international careers and businesses, as well as why partnerships with global players have become increasingly important.

“If we needed to go global, we needed the kind of support and the backbone that I think most major companies have,” she stated.

In the same vein, Mr Mobolaji Kareem of EMPIRE highlighted the economic realities driving artists to seek audiences beyond their home markets, noting that international growth has become essential for many artists and their teams.

But for talent manager, Mr Kevin Boakye, the real value lies in cultivating dedicated fan communities, saying, “The true opportunity is around the fan. If you’re able to command a genuine relationship with a core group of fans who will continue to invest in you over time, you’ve actually built something that’s sustainable.”