Ernesto Ugeziwe is a Rwandan-born music executive, media personality, and the visionary founder of AfroHub Music, a global platform committed to amplifying African music, culture, and talent. With a career that began on local radio stations in Rwanda’s Western Province, Ernesto quickly rose to prominence as a media host on Rwanda Television (RTV) and Voice of America (VOA), where he championed African narratives to global audiences.
Now based in the United States, Ernesto has become a leading force in Pan-African cultural promotion, organizing landmark events such as Made in Rwanda Weekend and numerous diaspora-centered festivals. In 2025, he was inducted into the Recording Academy (the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards), marking a historic milestone in his mission to bring African voices into global decision-making rooms.
Through AfroHub Music, Ernesto continues to build powerful bridges between the continent and the diaspora, empowering artists, shaping narratives, and curating culturally rooted experiences that celebrate Africa’s rich sonic landscape. His work spans talent management, festival production, music curation, and strategic media, making him a sought-after voice in the evolution of Africa’s creative economy.
In a world where sound has no borders and storytelling shapes empires, Ernesto Ugeziwe is building a movement. From his early days on Rwandan community radio to standing tall as a member of the Recording Academy in 2025, Ugeziwe’s journey is a masterclass in cultural conviction, strategic execution, and unwavering love for the African sound.
in an exclusive interview with Ranks Africa Magazine, Enersto shared his thoughts on Africa Music and the global impact.
From the Western Province of Rwanda to Global Stages, What Sparked the AfroHub Vision?
“Local radio taught me everything. It wasn’t just about playing songs, it was about understanding the emotional weight music carries in people’s lives,” Ernesto reflects.
“I saw how powerful it was when a village heard its voice echo through the airwaves. That experience made one thing clear: African voices even in the most remote corners — deserve to be heard globally. That’s what AfroHub Music is built on: amplifying talent, honoring roots, and elevating the continent’s soundscape. Being part of the Recording Academy today? It’s not just a win for me, it’s a continuation of the mission.”
From RTV to VOA, From Mic to Music Boardroom — Balancing Storytelling with Strategy
Ernesto’s media journey from hosting on Rwanda Television and Voice of America to pioneering global music festivals , reads like a blueprint for emerging cultural leaders.
“Media taught me how to move hearts. Executive work taught me how to move mountains. When I promote East African artists to global audiences, I fuse both telling stories that resonate deeply while ensuring they’re positioned for success,” he explains.
“It’s not just about being heard; it’s about being understood. I want the world to dance to our music, yes but also to feel the spirit behind it.”
AfroHub Music: A Cultural Bridge from Kigali to the Diaspora
From Made in Rwanda Weekend to AfroHub’s standout showcases across the U.S., Ernesto has positioned the label as more than a platform it’s a cultural bridge.
“Authenticity is non-negotiable. We work with grassroots voices, and we let the community lead. Even as we scale, our ethos is the same: celebrate Africa, don’t commodify it. Every project we launch must feel real — not just to us, but to every African in the room. Our artists must feel valued. Our diaspora audiences must feel seen.”
In a World of Digital Disruption, Can Music Be the Solution?
Ernesto sees AfroHub not just as an entertainment vehicle but as a counterforce to Africa’s social and economic challenges.
“MUSIC HEALS. MUSIC UNITES. IN A TIME WHEN CYBERCRIME AND DIGITAL DISRUPTION ARE TEARING THINGS APART, PLATFORMS LIKE AFROHUB ARE BUILDING THINGS UP,” HE SAYS.
“We equip creators with tools to own their craft, connect globally, and build sustainable careers. Every hit song becomes a statement. Every artist that makes it shifts the narrative. The goal is to turn digital spaces into engines of cultural empowerment and economic growth — not just distractions.”
“You’re the First and There’ll Never Be Another First.” What’s Next for AfroHub and Pan-African Storytelling?
“Being the first comes with weight. It means I must keep the door open for others to walk through. My vision for AfroHub is to become a global force in Pan-African storytelling,” he states.
“We want to see more African artists not just on award stages but in the rooms where decisions are made. As Recording Academy members, as label executives, as storytellers with power. And we’re ready to collaborate across borders to build an industry that truly reflects the richness of our continent.”
Final Words: What the World Needs to Hear About African Music Right Now
“One message: Africa is not one sound. Yes, Afrobeats and Amapiano are flying high but don’t sleep on East Africa. From Bongo Flava to Afro-fusion, there’s magic happening. We have traditional rhythms that can’t be replicated and rising stars that deserve global love,” Ernesto emphasizes.
“It’s time for platforms and audiences to broaden the lens. There’s so much more to hear. So much more to feel. And AfroHub is here to help the world tap in.”
At RanksAfrica, we recognize visionaries like Ernesto Ugeziwe not just for what they’ve done, but for what they’re building. AfroHub is more than a platform. It’s a movement. And the next verse of Africa’s sonic story is already being written.
