Nigerian musician and entrepreneur Mr Eazi is considering taking one of his businesses to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as he looks to follow the path of prominent Nigerian business leaders who have listed companies on the local capital market.
Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, disclosed his interest in a Nairametrics interview, where he discussed his growing involvement in business, investment and Nigeria’s capital market.
The entrepreneur said he would be interested in eventually listing Choplife, explaining that he sees value in allowing Nigerians to participate in businesses built by Nigerian entrepreneurs.
He pointed to prominent businessmen including Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu and Femi Otedola as examples of entrepreneurs who have built major businesses and created opportunities for investors through the Nigerian capital market.
Mr Eazi said his own experience as an investor in the Nigerian market has increased his appreciation for the organisation and regulatory structure surrounding listed companies.
He indicated that a future listing would represent an opportunity to expand beyond the traditional business models associated with the Nigerian Exchange and demonstrate that companies operating in newer sectors can also participate in the capital market.
The development comes at a time when activity on the Nigerian Exchange has increased significantly, with the market attracting greater attention from both local and international investors.
The exchange has also been anticipating major new listings, including the planned initial public offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which could become one of the country’s most significant capital-market transactions.
The growing interest in listings has also prompted calls for major Nigerian technology and digital companies to consider listing locally so that Nigerians can directly participate in their growth.
For Mr Eazi, the potential listing is part of a broader business journey that extends beyond his music career. He has established and invested in businesses across different sectors and has become increasingly involved in entrepreneurship and investment.
He is also involved with Zagadat Capital and has invested in technology businesses, including pawaPay, where he serves on the board.
Mr Eazi also discussed the importance of building businesses that solve infrastructure and technology challenges across Africa.
He highlighted opportunities within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly the need for more mid-sized performance venues and properly equipped sound stages that could support artists, producers and other creative professionals.
According to him, such infrastructure could create more opportunities for artists to perform within Nigeria while also making the country more attractive to international performers.
His expanding business interests reflect a broader trend of Nigerian entertainers moving into entrepreneurship, investment and technology.
If the proposed listing eventually materialises, it could further strengthen the connection between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the country’s formal capital market.
