Nigeria-based record label Chocolate City has appointed Franklin ‘Twizz’ David as its new President of Brand, Content and Partnerships in North America.
Based in New York, David joins the company’s executive leadership team.
Chocolate City is home to the likes of Femi Kuti, four-time Grammy nominated son of the Afrobeat pioneer Fela; hip-hop artist and record producer M.I. Abaga, Afro beats sensation Dice Ailes, Nosa, ClassiQ, Ruby Gyang and acts like Blaqbonez, C Kay and Street Billionaires.
In addition, Chocolate City’s catalog includes acts such as Brymo, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz.
Chocolate City partnered with Warner Music Group in 2019. At the time, WMG said the partnership intended to “dramatically grow the reach of African artists around the world, and will create new opportunities for global superstars in the region”.
David is tasked with amplifying the company’s brand, overseeing marketing campaigns and building strategic brand partnerships in the region.
Over the course of his career, David has held positions in radio promotion, sync licensing, brand partnerships, sports marketing, original content and international marketing.
David was most recently Head of Talent Management for Unanimous Games, an Esports and gaming company based in New York.
The exec, who has over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, cut his teeth in the industry through managing the artists careers, such as DJ Clue, while working on projects for the likes of Fabolous and Mariah Carey.
David also has experience in the sports industry, working with NFL players Dwight Freeney, Pierre Garcon and Amobi Okoye, as well as NBA athletes Carmelo Anthony, Baron Davis, Joakim Noah and Pascal Siakim.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to join a legacy African entertainment company like Chocolate City.”
Franklin David
Franklin David, said: “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to join a legacy African entertainment company like Chocolate City.
“The Label has brought us some of the most amazing content out of Africa, the most recent being Love Nwantiti by CKay.
“My goal is to ensure songs like Dada by Young Jonn, and Artists like Blaqbonez are thoroughly amplified through the right partnership, collaborations and brand exposure Stateside.
“I’m proud to work alongside an amazing forward thinking executive team at Chocolate City, and thankful for the opportunity to utilize my access and network so that such great African platforms can compete with the best them internationally.”
“Having Twizz onboard is really exciting for us as we seek to expand our base in North America and export our culture to the world.”
Abuchi Ugwu, Chocolate City
Abuchi Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City, added: “Having Twizz onboard is really exciting for us as we seek to expand our base in North America and export our culture to the world.
“The market remains a key territory in our growth plans as the world opens up more to Afrobeats and the various sounds coming out of Africa.
“Twizz has the wealth of experience, great reputation and keen insight for great music all of which are instrumental in executing our global vision.”Music Business Worldwide
