When you hear the name Mr Eazi, you’re not just talking about another Nigerian musician — you’re talking about one of Africa’s most innovative music entrepreneurs. This is a man who didn’t just chase fame through beats and melodies but reshaped how African music is produced, distributed, and monetized.
Born Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade on July 19, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Mr Eazi has become a defining force of what he calls “Banku music.” His sound bridges Nigeria and Ghana, mixing the warmth of highlife with the laid-back grooves of Afrobeats. But beyond the music, his story is that of an ambitious thinker who turned creativity into an empire.
Oluwatosin Ajibade grew up in a middle-class Nigerian home where both business and discipline were part of daily life. His mother was an entrepreneur, while his father worked in aviation consulting. Growing up in such an environment taught him the value of hard work, precision, and independence.
As a child, he loved music — he listened to everything from Fela Kuti to reggae and Ghanaian highlife, long before he ever dreamed of making music himself. After his basic education in Lagos, young Oluwatosin moved to Kumasi, Ghana, where he attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to study Mechanical Engineering.
University life became the defining chapter of his early music journey. While most engineering students were buried in formulas and machines, Mr Eazi found joy in organizing campus parties and promoting events. He founded Swagger Entertainment, a small events company that helped him connect with local artists, DJs, and music producers.
It wasn’t long before his musical curiosity evolved into personal experimentation. He featured on a song titled “My Life”, which became popular among students and planted the seed for a full-time career in music.
After graduation, Mr Eazi briefly returned to Nigeria, where he dabbled in a few business ventures, including e-commerce and import trading. But his heart was clearly leaning toward something more creative. And that was when he decided to take music seriously.
Mr Eazi’s journey into music didn’t start with fame or a record deal — it began with passion, persistence, and a desire to blend cultures.
In 2013, he released his debut mixtape titled “About to Blow.” It didn’t exactly make him a superstar overnight, but it showed potential. Songs like “Pipi Dance” started attracting attention, especially within university circles and online platforms.
His breakthrough moment came in 2015 with the hit single “Skin Tight” featuring Ghanaian singer Efya. The song was a smooth fusion of love lyrics and African rhythm, and it took West Africa by storm. That was the song that made Mr Eazi a continental name — a chilled-out, melodic voice that was both different and refreshing.
Then came “Leg Over.” That single catapulted him into mainstream Afrobeats glory, showing that his relaxed, romantic vibe could easily conquer both clubs and playlists.
With momentum on his side, Mr Eazi released “Life is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra to Lagos” in 2017. The project reflected his journey between the two countries that shaped him. It became one of the most successful African mixtapes, producing multiple hits and collaborations.
In 2018, he followed it up with “Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London”, a project that widened his international reach. It featured collaborations with major artists, showing the evolution of a man no longer bound by regional recognition.
Between 2020 and 2021, he released two EPs — “One Day You Will Understand” and “Something Else.” Both projects showcased growth in his artistry — a calmer, more mature approach to sound, message, and identity.
Then, in 2022, he released “Legalize,” a single inspired by love and introspection. The following year, 2023, marked another career milestone with the release of his first full studio album “The Evil Genius.” Recorded across multiple countries, it offered a deep, soulful reflection of who Mr Eazi had become — not just an artist but a global thinker.
He also performed at Coachella in 2019, becoming one of the few Nigerian acts to achieve that level of international recognition.
Mr Eazi’s name has appeared alongside some of the biggest artists in the world — Beyoncé, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Major Lazer, and more. His sound travels effortlessly between Afrobeat, dancehall, and R&B. Unlike many artists who chase trends, Eazi’s approach is subtle, intentional, and deeply rooted in authenticity.
Mr Eazi coined the term “Banku Music” to describe his sound — a smooth mix of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions. The result is a mid-tempo, mellow, and vibe-heavy sound that’s instantly recognizable.
His vocal delivery is laid-back, often conversational, yet emotionally charged. He doesn’t shout or over-sing; instead, he creates melodies that stick — love songs that feel both intimate and breezy.
Lyrically, his music often explores love, growth, travel, and reflection. It’s music you can dance to and think about at the same time.
What truly sets Mr Eazi apart is how he transformed from musician to mogul. For him, music was only the starting point.
In 2019, he founded emPawa Africa, a talent incubator and funding initiative designed to support emerging African artists. The goal was simple: give young creatives the financial and professional tools to succeed without depending solely on record labels.
Through emPawa, Mr Eazi has helped launch several successful careers across the continent, including artists like Joeboy, proving that he’s as much a mentor as he is a musician.
Beyond music, he also established Zagadat Capital, a venture capital firm through which he invests in technology startups, creative companies, and fintech platforms. This diversification is one reason his financial growth has remained steady even when he’s not releasing music.
Before fame, Mr Eazi was already business-minded — promoting events, running e-commerce ventures, and exploring import businesses. These early experiences laid the foundation for his business acumen today.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Estimating a musician’s wealth is never straightforward, but one thing is clear — Mr Eazi is one of the wealthiest musicians in Africa.
Different reports place his net worth between $10 million and $30 million, depending on what assets and ventures are counted. Some even believe it could be higher, considering his diverse investments and ownership stakes.
Music Sales and Streaming: Hits like “Skin Tight,” “Leg Over,” and “Legalize” continue to earn royalties across platforms.
Live Performances: Mr Eazi tours across Africa, Europe, and America, pulling large crowds.
Business Ventures: emPawa Africa and Zagadat Capital have become sustainable revenue streams.
Brand Endorsements: His calm but classy persona has attracted several endorsement deals.
Artist Development: Through emPawa, he also earns from nurturing and promoting other artists.
It’s this combination of art, business, and vision that makes Mr Eazi a rare figure — not just an entertainer, but an architect of the African creative economy.
Mr Eazi’s impact goes beyond charts. He’s one of the few who built a bridge between Ghana and Nigeria, influencing how both music industries collaborate today.
His efforts through emPawa Africa have redefined how young African artists think about ownership, branding, and financial independence. Instead of just signing record deals, they now talk about equity and partnerships — largely because of his influence.
Artistically, The Evil Genius marked a shift in his narrative — a more introspective side that blends sound, art, and purpose.
On a personal note, his relationship with Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, brought him even more public attention. The couple announced their engagement in 2022, making headlines across social media.
Mr Eazi is also known for being transparent about his business and net worth. He’s openly challenged undervaluations of his wealth, insisting that African artists deserve to be recognized not just as entertainers but as global entrepreneurs.
Even success comes with challenges. Critics have occasionally described his music as “too mellow” compared to the high-energy Afrobeats scene. But Mr Eazi doesn’t chase noise — he creates mood.
Managing multiple ventures — from emPawa to investments — also comes with pressure. Yet he’s managed to maintain balance, proving that you can be both a businessman and an artist without losing authenticity.
Looking ahead, the future for Mr Eazi seems brighter than ever. His plans include:
Expanding emPawa Africa into a continent-wide creative network.
Investing more in tech startups and fintech platforms that empower creatives.
Releasing more international collaborations that push Afrobeats to new audiences.
Exploring new forms of storytelling — from visual projects to documentaries.
One thing is certain: Mr Eazi’s evolution is far from over. He’s laying foundations that may outlive the music itself.
Mr Eazi’s story is one of transformation, courage, and vision. From organizing campus parties in Ghana to sharing stages with global icons, he’s become the face of modern African creativity.
He’s not just a singer — he’s a strategist, a mentor, and a cultural ambassador. His brand of Banku music created a new sound; his company emPawa Africa created opportunities; and his mindset created wealth.
From Port Harcourt to London, from small student events to global charts, Mr Eazi embodies what it means to be African, ambitious, and authentic. As Afrobeats continues its global domination, his influence — both musically and economically — will remain undeniable for generations to come.