NAME: Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade
KNOWN AS: Mr Eazi
BORN: July 19, 1991
Born in Port Harcourt and raised in Nigeria before relocating to Ghana, Oluwatosin Ajibade’s creative identity was shaped by movement across borders. While studying Mechanical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he immersed himself in Ghana’s campus music scene, absorbing highlife, hiplife, and the laid-back rhythmic sensibilities that would later define his sound.
Initially dismissed for his unconventional vocal style, Mr Eazi leaned into restraint rather than power prioritizing groove, melody, and storytelling. This instinctive minimalism became his signature and the foundation of a new sonic language.
THE BANKU MUSIC ERA
Mr Eazi broke through with About to Blow (2016), a project that introduced Banku Music, a cross-cultural blend of Nigerian pop melodies and Ghanaian rhythmic structure. Songs like “Skin Tight,” “Leg Over,” and “Hollup” were understated yet infectious, rejecting maximalism in favor of feel and authenticity.
Rather than chasing immediate mainstream validation, he built momentum organically through campus shows, digital platforms, and pan-African collaborations. His approach reframed what a hit could sound like and who it could be for. Banku Music wasn’t just a genre; it was a cultural bridge.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PIVOT
As his profile grew, Mr Eazi expanded his vision beyond being an artist. In 2018, he founded emPawa Africa, a talent incubation platform designed to fund, mentor, and distribute music for independent African artists. emPawa inverted the traditional label model prioritizing ownership, transparency, and long-term growth over restrictive contracts.
Through emPawa, he supported and amplified emerging voices across the continent, positioning himself as a facilitator rather than a gatekeeper. This shift marked Mr Eazi’s evolution from hitmaker to ecosystem builder.
GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS & CULTURAL IMPACT
Mr Eazi’s global reach has been defined by strategic collaboration rather than crossover compromise. His work with artists such as Beyoncé (The Lion King: The Gift), J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, Major Lazer, and Burna Boy placed African sound at the center not the margins of global pop conversations.
At the same time, he remained grounded in African realities, advocating for fair compensation, digital infrastructure, and data transparency within the music business. His influence extended into technology, venture investments, and artist management, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking executive.
THE EMPAWA BLUEPRINT
Today, Mr Eazi represents a new archetype in African music: the artist-executive who understands both culture and capital. Through emPawa, strategic investments, and continued creative output, he has helped normalize independence as a viable and powerful path for African artists.
His legacy is not defined solely by chart performance, but by structural change. Mr Eazi proved that African artists can build globally relevant careers on their own terms, with ownership, dignity, and vision intact.
