Abolade Oshodi | EXPND Music - Director & Legal Strategist
Abolade Oshodi

Abolade Oshodi

Director & Legal Strategist
Abolade Oshodi

Abolade Oshodi

Director & Legal Strategist
"My vision is to create a platform where African artists can thrive globally while preserving our rich cultural heritage."

Contact

abolade@expndmusic.com

+234 800 000 0000

Biography

Abolade Oshodi is the visionary force behind EXPND Music, bringing together his passion for African culture and his extensive legal expertise to create transformative opportunities for African artists. With a career spanning multiple continents, Abolade has dedicated himself to building bridges between African creative talent and global markets.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Abolade developed an early appreciation for the diverse musical traditions of Africa. This passion led him to pursue legal studies with a focus on entertainment and intellectual property law, equipping him with the tools to protect and promote African creativity on the world stage.

Professional Journey

2020 - Present
Founder & Director, EXPND Music
Established EXPND Music as a premier platform for African artists, developing innovative distribution strategies and legal frameworks to protect artists' rights while expanding their global reach.
2016 - 2020
Senior Legal Counsel, Pan-African Entertainment Consortium
Led legal strategy for a consortium of African entertainment companies, negotiating international deals and establishing copyright protection systems across multiple jurisdictions.
2012 - 2016
Entertainment Lawyer, Lagos & London
Practiced entertainment law with a focus on music industry contracts, intellectual property rights, and international licensing agreements.
2008 - 2012
Legal Associate, International Law Firm
Gained experience in corporate and intellectual property law, working with clients in the creative industries across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Education

2006 - 2008
LL.M in Entertainment Law
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law
2002 - 2006
LL.B (Hons) Law
University of Lagos, Nigeria

Key Achievements

  • Spearheaded the development of Africa's first comprehensive digital rights management system for independent artists
  • Negotiated landmark distribution deals between African artists and global streaming platforms
  • Developed legal frameworks for cross-border music licensing in Africa
  • Recognized by the African Music Council for contributions to artist rights protection
  • Featured speaker at international music industry conferences including MIDEM and SXSW

Areas of Expertise

Entertainment Law
Specialized in music industry contracts, copyright, and intellectual property rights
Afrocentric Strategy
Developing business models that celebrate and monetize African cultural assets
Business Development
Creating sustainable growth strategies for creative enterprises
International Negotiation
Bridging African creative talent with global opportunities

Vision for EXPND Music

"At EXPND Music, we're not just building a company - we're creating an ecosystem that empowers African artists to own their narratives, control their intellectual property, and access global markets on equitable terms. My legal background informs our approach to artist development, ensuring our talents are protected as they expand their reach."

"The future of African music is bright, but we must ensure that the economic benefits flow back to the continent and the creators. This means developing robust legal frameworks, innovative distribution channels, and business models that work for African contexts."

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