Ade Adetunji: The Maestro Redefining Africa’s Music Operations

Ade Adetunji is a dynamic force in the music industry renowned for his exceptional accomplishments in operations, commercial partnerships, and data privacy management. With a steadfast commitment to promoting Afrobeat music globally, Ade’s expertise in creating and curating streaming playlists has garnered millions of listeners and propelled the genre to new heights. 

As a leader at Audiomack Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, he has successfully amplified the brand’s presence across the continent and fostered partnerships with major content distributors. Ade’s remarkable journey includes his instrumental role as Legal and A&R Manager at 506 Music Limited, where he facilitated agreements with digital service providers and coordinated studio sessions with top artists. 

His combination of legal acumen, business expertise, and comprehensive understanding of data governance positions him as an invaluable asset to organisations seeking growth and effective data value management. 

Join us as we delve into Ade Adetunji’s transformative career and discover how he is revolutionizing the music industry and driving data-driven decision-making.

BEA: What do you what do you like most about your current role?

Ade Adetunji: Yeah, well, working at Audiomac in general has been a very enlightening experience. I feel like every day is kind of a new day. I get to interact with loads of people within the music ecosystem, from artists to industry heads, and even people trying to organize events and seeking partnership with Audiomack. So, I’d say the thing I like the most is the diversity of thoughts that I encounter within the space. It’s a creative environment where I’m always meeting new people who are trying innovative things and striving to make an impact in the global entertainment industry. I believe Nigeria is currently at a significant turning point in our entertainment industry, both in movies and music. 

We can see this with Nollywood’s success and the international recognition received by big artists like Burna Boy and Wiz Kid, as well as newer artists such as Thames, Joe Boy, and O’Malley. They have mentioned that they’ve used Audiomack as a platform to amplify their careers. Therefore, I would say my main benefit is being part of an ecosystem that truly amplifies artists and plays a role in creatively telling the African story through these artists. That’s something I’m really proud of, being part of a platform that has contributed to the growth of the African music scene.

BEA: Tell us about your diverse background in law and management.

Ade Adetunji: Yeah, well, working at Audiomack in general has been a very enlightening experience. I feel like every day is kind of a new day. I get to interact with loads of people within the music ecosystem, from artists to industry heads, and even people trying to organize events and seeking partnership with Audiomack.

So, I’d say the thing I like the most is the diversity of thoughts that I encounter within the space. It’s a creative environment where I’m always meeting new people who are trying innovative things and striving to make an impact in the global entertainment industry.

I believe Nigeria is currently at a significant turning point in our entertainment industry, both in movies and music. We can see this with Nollywood’s success and the international recognition received by big artists like Burna Boy and Wiz Kid, as well as newer artists such as Thames, Joe Boy, and O’Malley. They have mentioned that they’ve used Audiomack as a platform to amplify their careers.

Therefore, I would say my main benefit is being part of an ecosystem that truly amplifies artists and plays a role in creatively telling the African story through these artists. That’s something I’m really proud of, being part of a platform that has contributed to the growth of the African music scene.

As a Nigerian, it seems like you have to do everything now. Everyone is involved in multiple things. Nigerians are known for their tenacity and ambition, always trying to have their hands in different ventures. Apart from working at Audiomack, I have pursued other interests on the side.

I used to write freelance for entertainment publications like Native Mag and Culture Custodian. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I enjoyed keeping up with the history of the music space and expressing myself through essays. While I may not be as good as professional writers or some of my friends, I continue to read and write in my spare time. Currently, I’m also working on a law firm blog, which will be released soon.

Additionally, I have been involved with 506 Music as a legal representative and A&R. Working there has provided me with valuable education in the music industry, including music production, music video production, and networking. It has been an eye-opening experience, giving me a hands-on understanding of the Nigerian music industry, promotion channels, and the necessary steps to create a hit record and maintain a strong fan base.

506 Music is still active, and we continue to focus on production. One notable project we worked on was the Hometown Heroes Nigeria live concert production on YouTube, launched last year. We aim to offer artist services and remain involved in the music space.

Another area of interest for me is data law. With the growing importance of technology and digital identity, understanding data management and helping companies navigate data-related issues has become crucial. The music industry, including companies like Audiomack, heavily relies on technology platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Studying data and its management seemed like a natural progression in my career, allowing me to gain insights into the backend operations.

In summary, I always strive to expand my knowledge base, add value, and make an impact. I enjoy immersing myself in various spaces and surrounding myself with interesting people who inspire me. It’s all about continuously learning and being open to new opportunities.

BEA: How has your background affected your influence and leadership

style? 

Ade Adetunji: Audiomack is a highly organized platform, ensuring that everyone understands their role and responsibilities. Having a diverse knowledge base has a significant impact on how we operate. For example, my understanding of data law informs our data collection practices, ensuring that we don’t request excessive information. Similarly, my background in writing helps me create compelling Instagram posts that capture the attention of fans. By understanding different areas of expertise, such as data law, we can identify collaboration opportunities with successful artists to reach a broader audience.

I believe that having a broad understanding of various subjects can positively influence one’s approach, even if it’s subliminal. It’s essential to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new because no knowledge is wasted. You never know how it will benefit you in the future. In life, I always try to maintain an open mind and embrace adaptability. The entertainment industry is constantly changing, with different artists dominating the charts each year. Being adaptable and receptive to new information is crucial in such an ever-changing environment. By having an open mind, you can excel and accomplish great things in your field.

The interview continues. Read the full HERE