Adesegun Adeosun, popularly known as SMADE, Founder of SMADE Group and Co-Founder of AfroNation, has been named Business Person of the Year 2025 by Ranks Africa, emerging from an elite pool of over 100,000 African entrepreneurs across the continent and diaspora. This recognition celebrates visionary entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and sustained global impact.
Widely regarded as the King of African Music Festivals, SMADE is one of the few African business leaders who believed early in the global journey of African music, long before Afrobeat became a worldwide movement. His vision has never been confined to popularity or trends; instead, he has consistently championed African music in its broadest and richest forms, creating global platforms that elevate African sounds, stories, and talents.
As the driving force behind SMADE Group and a co-architect of AfroNation, the world’s largest Afrobeats and African music festival, SMADE has redefined how African culture is exported, consumed, and celebrated globally. Through large-scale festivals, international showcases, and strategic partnerships, he has positioned African music as both a cultural force and a powerful economic asset.
SMADE’s work goes beyond entertainment. He has built cultural bridges that connect Africa with Europe, the Americas, and beyond, using one of the continent’s most valuable exports: art, creativity, and music. In doing so, he has created opportunities for African artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to thrive on global stages while maintaining authentic African identity.
What distinguishes SMADE is his purpose-driven approach to business. Every project under his leadership is guided by a commitment to placing Africa firmly on the global map, not as a participant, but as a leader. His impact continues to reshape how the world engages with African culture, proving that African creativity is not just influential, but economically transformative.
Naming Adesegun Adeosun as Business Person of the Year 2025 is more than a recognition of success; it is a celebration of a visionary who turned belief into global institutions and culture into commerce.
Watch out for an exclusive, in-depth feature on Adesegun Adeosun in the Ranks Africa Q1 2026 magazine, where we explore his journey, leadership philosophy, and the business of exporting African culture to the world.
