Afi Cakpo, a Benin native, has dedicated her career to understanding music as a living ecosystem. With a marketing degree from Georgia State University, she has navigated various roles that combine creativity and strategic rigor. Her professional journey began in event management and hospitality in Atlanta. She later contributed to the University Decentralization Program in Côte d'Ivoire, where she developed a passion for communication and talent promotion.
Cakpo's expertise in the music industry has led her to become a Strategy and Development Consultant for Azuria Musique. Previously, she served as Country Manager at ONErpm, where she implemented a strategy to connect artists, their communities, and the digital music economy. Her work involved producing music, curating playlists, and analyzing market insights to create an environment for artists to find their audience and monetize their craft.
Before joining ONErpm, Cakpo worked as a Francophone Content Editor and Playlists Curator for Ayoba. In this role, she focused on promoting African artists and telling their stories through curated content that resonated with local communities. Her efforts aimed to create a link between digital content and local communities, showcasing her commitment to African talent.
Cakpo's recent appointment as a professional member of the Recording Academy, also known as the GRAMMYs, highlights her growing influence in the music industry. In her new role, she will represent and lobby for the interests of Francophone Africa, ensuring that the region's voice is heard in international music trends and recognition criteria.
For Cakpo, music is more than a fleeting hit; it is a channel for identity, soft power, and sustainable business. She is dedicated to empowering African talent to master their strategy, understand their data, and project themselves onto the global stage without losing their local roots. Her work is crucial in helping African artists navigate the digital landscape.
As one of Africa's leading music executives, Cakpo is committed to seeing the industry grow and fully leverage digital tools. Her approach to music ecosystem development has positioned her as a key figure to watch in the African music scene. With her expertise and passion, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Cakpo's achievements and dedication to promoting African music and talent have earned her recognition within the industry. Her role at the Recording Academy will enable her to create strategic connections for artists and structures she supports, further solidifying her influence in shaping the future of music in Francophone Africa.
Key points
- Afi Cakpo joins the Recording Academy as a professional member to represent Francophone Africa.
Reporting sources
- Afi Cakpo · Irawo
