The Chairman and Founder of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori, has marked two decades since the establishment of one of Africa’s most influential entertainment companies with the launch of a groundbreaking $1 million initiative — the Founders Fund Africa.
Reflecting on the journey, Maikori shared that what began 20 years ago as a dream among three young visionaries — himself, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori — has grown into a powerhouse that helped shape Africa’s contemporary music and entertainment landscape.
“We didn’t have a map, just conviction, vision, and a stubborn belief that Africa’s sound and stories mattered,” Maikori said. “Now at 50, Paul and I look back with deep gratitude — not because of luck, but because of grace, resilience, and an extraordinary team.”
He credited the company’s success to the efforts of team members including MI Abaga, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, Aibee Abidoye, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, Biola Alabi, and many others who helped sustain Chocolate City’s growth and influence over the years.
The celebration, held last Saturday at The Mansion in Lagos, brought together key figures from Nigeria’s creative and political spheres, including the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Seyi Tinubu, Ali Nuhu, Tola Akerele, and representatives from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The newly launched Founders Fund Africa aims to provide mentorship, access, and funding to emerging African creatives — offering them the resources Maikori and his team wished they had when starting out.
Special recognition was given to Gbenga Hassan, CEO of Àrgentil Capital, and Ojoma Ochai, CEO of CcHub, for their support as partners in the new venture. Maikori also extended gratitude to Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie, immediate past Chairman of Chocolate City, and to his brother Yahaya Maikori for their early guidance.
Closing his remarks, Maikori paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Zel Maikori, whom he described as “the first unpaid staff of Chocolate City and my life partner.”
“Here’s to 20 years of faith, friendship, and fearless creativity — and to the next generation who will take this torch and burn even brighter,” he said.
Maikori attended the celebration wearing an outfit by fashion designer Mai Atafo, styled by Yolanda Okereke.
Tony Emeka Nwosu
