Michael Ugwu

Michael Ugwu is a British music industry executive, investor and entrepreneur in Nigeria's music and entertainment industry. He was formerly the General Manager of Sony Music Entertainment, West Africa.[1] He is the founder and CEO of Freeme Digital.[2] Prior to this, Ugwu was the CEO of iROKING Ltd [3]

For the Nigerian footballer, see Michael Ugwu (footballer).
Michael Ugwu
Obiora
Born (1980-12-03) December 3, 1980
Manchester, England
Other namesMagic Mike
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur
Investor
Media Proprietor
Known forPioneer GM for Sony Music Entertainment in West Africa, the first major label to open up shop in West Africa, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria

General Manager, Sony Music Entertainment, West Africa

Founder/CEO, Freeme Digital

Career

From 2010 to 2013, Ugwu was the CEO at iROKING, an online digital music platform focused on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.[4]

He founded Freeme Digital limited in 2013[5] and in 2020, he became the first Nigerian to be appointed to the board of the Merlin Network.[6][7] He was reappointed to the board of Merlin in January 2022.[8]

Ugwu has investments in multiple start-up companies including Shecluded,[9] Coin Profile, Buycoins Africa, Atide Solutions and Spendify.[10]

Controversy

Ugwu has been accused by YCEE of unethical or unfair business practices.[11][12][13] He was dismissed from iROKING allegedly over issues involving working with a competing service.[14][15][16] Ugwu has disputed iROKING's claims.[17]

In 2020, Ugwu announced that he had been acquitted of all charges brought against him by iROKING, at the Federal High Court and Industrial Court.[18]

Honors and recognition
  • Choiseul 100 Africa 2017 [19]
  • Ranked in Billboard's 2021 Indie Power Players[20]

Personal life

In 2019, Ugwu married Onyeka Udechukwu.[21]

References
  1. "Former iROKING CEO, Michael Ugwu moves to Sony Music Entertainment West Africa". techpoint.africa. Retrieved 2018-10-14.
  2. "Consistency, perseverance needed to succeed in business –Ugwu". Punch Newspaper. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
  3. "BN Making It!: From the Hustle to Redefining Music Distribution in Africa - CEO of iROKING.com Michael Ugwu Takes Nigerian Music to the World - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com.
  4. "Young Tech Executive Michael Ugwu dramatically exits iROKING". BellaNaija.
  5. "Say HELLO to Nigeria's Newest Digital Distributor, FREEME DIGITAL, Ex-Iroking CEO Michael Ugwu's New Baby?". Africa Music Law.
  6. "Michael Ugwu, Founder & CEO, Freeme Digital Ltd". Invest Africa.
  7. "From Block to Board Member As Michael Ugwu Joins Merlin As Executives Board Member". GY Online.
  8. "Merlin Unveils New Board of Directors, With Nine First-Time Members". Variety.com.
  9. "Hello Perfect Partners Shecluded to Provide Beauty Loans". ThisDay.
  10. "'Growth of local labels, entrance of international players have created environment for youths to thrive in music business'". Business Day.
  11. ""They raping us in silence" Ycee Calls Out Sony West Africa". www.bellanaija.com. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  12. Akan, Joey. "Ycee: Singer accuses Michael Ugwu, Sony Music exec of theft and fraud". Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  13. "Deal gone sour: Ycee, Sony Music's Michael Ugwu trade words on Twitter". TheCable Lifestyle. 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  14. "Again! Michael Ugwu, former CEO of iROKING in another scandal - TechMoran". TechMoran. 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  15. "Michael Ugwu, CEO of IROKING Falls out with iROKO Team - TechMoran". TechMoran. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  16. "Michael Ugwu, CEO, fired from iRoking". innovation-village.com. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  17. venturesafrica (2013-10-31). "iROKING ex-CEO Refutes Jason Njoku's Allegations". Ventures Africa. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  18. Motolani Alake (2020-11-13). "FreeME Digital CEO, Michael Ugwu acquitted by Ibadan court after 7-year legal battle with iROKO Partners". Pulseng. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
  19. "Institut Choiseul".
  20. "Freeme Digital Boss, Micheal Ugwu, ranked in Billboard's 2021 Indie Power Players". Guardian Newspaper.
  21. "See Amazing Photos From Michael Ugwu's Wedding". legit9ja. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
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