MEET OUR VOTING COMMITTEE
MOHAMMED RAMADAN
Egypt
Mohamed Ramadan is an internationally acclaimed Egyptian entertainer, actor, singer,
rapper, and producer whose influence extends across music, film, and pop culture. One of
the Arab world’s most recognisable entertainment figures, Ramadan has built a career
defined by cultural impact, boundary-pushing creativity, and an ability to connect with
audiences far beyond his home market.
From his success in Egyptian film and television to a chart-topping music career,
Ramadan has consistently expanded the reach of African and Arab entertainment on the
global stage.
With a deep understanding of the African evolving entertainment landscape, Ramadan
brings a distinctive perspective to the NXT Honors 2026 Voting Committee. As Chairman,
he will lead a distinguished panel of industry voices in recognising the individuals and
institutions shaping Africa’s creative future.
BENI TOSSOU
Republic of Benin
Beni Tossou is a serial entrepreneur who has built two companies from the ground up into
thriving enterprises across Africa. He is the CEO of PodLab, the leading business podcast
and media in French-speaking Africa, reaching over 700,000 followers across all
platforms, including more than 120,000 on YouTube. He also leads Marketing Lab, a
consulting firm specializing in sales training, closer recruitment, and B2B commercial
performance. Together, the two ventures now employ dozens of people across Cotonou,
Abidjan, and Dubai. Beni's approach is defined by a clear operating principle: execution
beats theory, and focus beats scatter.
CHRISTEL YAPOBI TANO
Côte d’Ivoire
Christel Yapobi-Tano is an Ivorian entrepreneur and creative industries professional
working across fashion, luxury, and culture. She is the founder of Matières Studio, a
strategic consulting agency supporting African brands, designers, and cultural projects.
Her work sits at the intersection of African creativity and business, focusing on building
sustainable ecosystems, elevating talent, and connecting brands with international
markets.
DEJI ONADEKO
Nigeria
Deji Onadeko is a media entrepreneur, creative strategist, speaker, and the Founder and
CEO of RedLantan Media, an integrated communications agency focused on public
relations, strategic communications, brand marketing, content, and digital storytelling.
With over 12 years of experience across broadcasting, media, content production, and
communications, he has worked with brands across technology, fintech, and consumer
sectors, helping them build stronger brands, tell compelling stories, strengthen their
reputation and connect with their audiences.
Beyond his work in media and communications, he is passionate about creativity,
innovation, capacity development, and building communities, particularly creating
opportunities for young people to grow, develop their potential, and make meaningful
contributions to society.
FAIZA HERSI
Kenya
Faiza Hersi is a Kenyan music executive, entrepreneur, and cultural curator widely
recognized for her contributions to the growth of East Africa’s contemporary music
industry. A trained lawyer who transitioned into the creative sector, she founded Nairobi
R&B, a pioneering platform that has helped elevate R&B and alternative music across the
region by creating opportunities for emerging and established artists to showcase their
talent.
Building on the success of Nairobi R&B, Hersi founded Soul Headquarters (Soul HQ), a
female-led creative agency providing artist management, label services, distribution,
public relations, and career development support. Through her work, she has managed
and mentored artists such as Karun, Xenia Manasseh, AYLØ, and Altair Saïd, earning
recognition as one of the leading voices driving the global growth and visibility of African
music.
FRANKLIN GYAN JR
Ghana
Franklin Gyan Jr. is a Ghanaian commercial photographer, creative entrepreneur, and
founder of Eleventh Space, a creative production agency known for delivering
high-impact visual campaigns for leading brands across Africa. Over the years, he has
worked with notable organizations and brands, including MTN, Samsung, Toyota, Nestlé,
Star Beer, and AfroFuture, earning recognition for his innovative storytelling and
exceptional visual artistry.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Franklin is passionate about nurturing the next
generation of African creatives. He founded Star Creators Africa, an internship and
mentorship initiative designed to equip young talents with practical industry experience in
photography, videography, content creation, and creative planning. Through his
entrepreneurial ventures and commitment to creative excellence, Franklin continues to
inspire and shape the future of Africa’s creative industry.
HASSAN OYINDAMOLA AHMED
Nigeria
Hassan Oyindamola Ahmed, professionally known as Hassan Tha Kreator, is a Nigerian
filmmaker, director, producer and VFX artist based in Lagos. His work is rooted in visual
storytelling, often exploring contemporary Nigerian experiences through bold concepts,
genre and satire. He is the founder of Juju Film Studios and has created films that have
screened and received recognition at film festivals and creative platforms in Nigeria and
internationally. Beyond filmmaking, Hassan works in marketing and brand
communications, combining storytelling, creative direction and strategy across both film
and commercial projects.
WILLIE IBORO SAMUEL
Nigeria
Willie Iboro Samuel is a Nigerian actor and creative professional known for his
contributions to indigenous-language filmmaking and storytelling. He gained recognition
for his role in the acclaimed Igbo-language film Agwaetiti Obiụtọ (Island of Happiness),
directed by Onyeka Nwelue, where he portrayed one of the film’s lead characters. His
work reflects a commitment to promoting authentic African narratives and cultural
representation through film.
Through his involvement in the creative industry, Willie has contributed to projects that
celebrate Nigerian heritage and strengthen the visibility of local stories on screen. His
dedication to the arts and storytelling continues to support the growth of Nigeria’s film
and entertainment sector.
VAEDAR
Nigeria
Vaedar, born Osamudiamen Edward Ekunwe, is a Nigerian music executive and senior
A&R manager at Mavin Records, one of Africa’s leading music companies. With over a
decade of experience in talent development, artist management, and music strategy, he
has played a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing the careers of some of the
continent’s most successful artists, contributing significantly to the global rise of
Afrobeats.
Known for his expertise in artist development and creative direction, Vaedar has been
instrumental in shaping impactful music projects and fostering creative excellence within
the African music ecosystem. His commitment to discovering talent, building sustainable
careers, and driving innovation in the entertainment industry has earned him recognition
as a respected voice in contemporary African music.
JUSNAH GADI
Tanzania
Jusnah Gadi is a music entrepreneur, known as the award-winning founder of Young
Music Boss, a platform that provides resources, events and networking opportunities for
emerging professionals in the music industry and the highly acclaimed Young Music Boss
Awards. With a background in intellectual property and commercial law, she works to
support artists and young executives by sharing knowledge on the business and legal
sides of music. She is also involved in international music development initiatives as chair
of Women In Music Tanzania and entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding the
London-based food brand and restaurant chain Hot N Juicy Shrimp LDN.
JOHN MALONGA
Republic of the Congo
John Malonga is the Founder and CEO of Aubeco Group, a sustainable communications
agency based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He has worked with more than 20 clients across
sustainable fashion, nonprofit organizations, artisan businesses, ecotourism, and
corporate social responsibility (CSR), successfully completing over 50 projects rooted in
ethical and impactful communication. He also leads “Les Prophètes,
” a public initiative
that makes sustainability accessible through hands-on workshops, including upcycling,
food waste reduction, and green after-work events. Convinced that sincere
communication must reject greenwashing, he brings the same standard and vision to his
role on the NXT Honors 2026 Voting Committee.
JEFF MUTUNGA
Kenya
Jeff Mutunga is a Kenyan entertainment entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Canvass
Agency and Canvass Records, with extensive experience spanning talent management,
events, and the music industry.
He has a strong track record of championing talent and contributing to Africa’s growing
creative economy, thereby driving opportunities across Africa’s creative ecosystem.
BENJAMIN OTWAL
Kenya
Benjamin Otwal is a multifaceted Music Executive based in East Africa, with a passion for
commoditising East Africa’s culture through developing artists, music strategy, and
building impactful creative opportunities.
With a strong understanding of the evolving music industry, he works to connect talent,
brands and audiences while championing innovation and sustainable growth with the
creative economy.
KOFOWOROLA EZE
Nigeria
Kofoworola Eze is an entertainment lawyer and music business consultant working across
law, music, film and technology.
She currently serves as Legal Counsel (Africa) at ONErpm, where she advises on
recording, distribution, licensing and other commercial arrangements across African
markets. Her work includes structuring and negotiating music deals and advising on
intellectual property, digital rights and cross-border transactions within the entertainment
industry.
Beyond her legal practice, Kofoworola is passionate about helping African creatives better
understand the business behind their work and make informed decisions about their
rights, careers and commercial opportunities.
She is a member of the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class and has
contributed to industry conversations and initiatives focused on the continued growth of
Africa’s music and creative economy.
TEDDY GELDART
South Africa
Teddy Geldart, aka Dopezuluboi, is a South African executive producer, director and
creative producer whose career spans reality TV and scripted drama. He began as an
actor before moving into production, including a notable 2009–2017 tenure at MultiChoice.
He is known for strong creative instincts, particularly in storytelling, format development,
styling and visual direction.
A recognised tastemaker, Teddy was named GBest Dressed in 2025 and has developed a
distinctive fashion identity influenced by Miguel and Lenny Kravitz. His work has earned
five SAFTA wins and two Royalty Soapie Awards, while his profile has also led to
ambassador and influencer partnerships with major international brands. He is currently
developing two new shows across reality and drama.
PASCAL AKA
Ghana
Pascal Aka is a renowned Ghanaian film director who launched his career in Canada in
2005, directing action-packed films such as Souls of Strife (2007) and Evol. (2010). He
later moved to Ghana in 2012, where he expanded his portfolio by directing music videos
for prominent artists.
With a career spanning two decades, Pascal Aka continues to push boundaries in African
cinema, further establishing himself as a visionary filmmaker.
NOWE ISIBOR SEGUN OJO
Nigeria
Nowe Isibor Segun-Ojo is a strategist, marketing and entertainment executive whose
career spans strategic communications, public relations, brand strategy, business
development and film marketing distribution. She has built her career at the intersection
of communications, marketing, public relations, partnerships and entertainment, using
strategy to shape narratives, build brands, influence culture and drive commercial
success.
Nowe currently serves as General Manager, Distribution & Marketing at Nile
Entertainment, where she leads theatrical distribution, marketing, audience engagement
and strategic partnerships for Nollywood and international films across West Africa. Her
portfolio includes collaborations with leading Hollywood studios, including Universal
Pictures and Paramount Pictures, alongside Nigerian filmmakers, producers and
exhibitors.
LEBANG KGOSANA
South Africa
Lebang Kgosana is an award-winning broadcaster and creative momtrepreneur with over
two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry. With a background
in marketing and communications, complemented by her training at the YFM Academy,
she has built a dynamic career spanning broadcasting, advertising, content production,
and events.
Lebang’s excellence in broadcasting has been recognised with industry accolades,
including the Telkom Radio Award for Best Drive Time Show in 2025 and the APVA Awards'
Podcast of the Year in 2024, for her work in digital audio storytelling.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lebang is a mother of six and a passionate
advocate for intentional, present parenting. She is the host of the #LifeWithLebang
podcast, where she explores themes of family, relationships, personal growth, and lifestyle
through the lens of music and entertainment.
LADUN AWOBOKUN
Nigeria
Ladun Awobokun is an industry leader in Africa’s film and streaming ecosystem. She
serves as Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment & Studios, part of the
Filmhouse Group, and Head of Content Acquisition at KAVA, a streaming platform
dedicated to African storytelling.
With over 16 years of experience across content production, distribution, and market
research, she has helped shape the growth of modern Nollywood and the theatrical
exhibition landscape. Over the past year alone, under her leadership, FilmOne distributed
over 90% of the highest-grossing releases, including the only title to gross over ₦2 billion,
while FilmOne Studios produced 10 feature films, accounting for 50% of Nollywood’s
overall box office performance in the region.
OLUWATOSIN SORINOLA
Nigeria
Tosin Sorinola is a seasoned entertainment business and marketing executive with over a
decade of experience in the digital streaming and music industry.
She has held key roles at Spinlet and Boomplay, where she led digital marketing, artist
relations, media partnerships, and marketing strategies across Africa. She also
co-founded The 400 Media Company, a digital music aggregation, distribution, and
marketing company.
She currently serves as Senior Director of Marketing & Operations for Africa at EMPIRE,
where she oversees marketing strategies for local and global talents.
