Ogo Aliogo
DAW Empire founder, Dami Adenuga, said artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology are transforming Africa’s creative industry by empowering artists to take greater control over their careers.
Adenuga made this known while speaking on the theme “Innovators in Tech”, at the 2025 edition of the African Bloc Festival held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The festival, titled “Africa’s Blockchain Renaissance: Building a Future of Innovation and Inclusion,” brought together leading voices in technology, innovation and the arts from across the continent.
According to the entertainment executive, the fusion of creativity and technology opens up new possibilities for African talent.
“Through talent management across Africa, I have learned that artists win when they control three things: their narrative, their data, and their audience. This is exactly where AI and blockchain technology are changing the rules of the game,” he said.
He explained that artificial intelligence has revolutionized the creative process by giving artists access to data-driven insights and affordable tools that enhance their productivity.
He added: “AI makes creativity faster and smarter. Now a young artist in Kigali or Lagos can improve their sound, study their audience and launch targeted campaigns without the need for a huge team or a big budget.”
Adenuga noted that blockchain technology has reshaped the business side of the creative industry by enhancing transparency and ensuring that creators receive their deserved rewards.
He continued, “Blockchain makes ownership transparent. It turns creativity into an economy where royalties are clear, intellectual property is protected, and fans can become actual stakeholders in an artist’s journey, not just spectators. This builds loyalty and shared growth.”
He stressed that although creativity is essential, building structures and systems is what sustains long-term success in the entertainment and technology ecosystem.
“The biggest lesson is that talent alone doesn’t scale. Systems do. Creatives who treat their careers like companies grow constantly and sustainably,” he said.
The Daw Empire founder advised emerging innovators to approach innovation with purpose, focusing on ownership and data rather than mere trends.
“So, for anyone getting into AI and blockchain: focus on ownership, not hype, build your community, focus on consistency and data to guide decision-making,” he said.
According to Adenuga, Africa’s rich culture and youthful energy position it to lead the global wave of digital innovation – if creators embrace technology strategically.
“The future belongs to creatives who are not only talented, but also digitally empowered – and Africa has the culture, youth and influence to lead this next wave.
“Africa doesn’t just consume culture; we create it. So our goal is not just to use AI and blockchain technology, but to shape it through our identity and values.”
He stressed that cooperation and originality are the main drivers of this transformation, calling on artists, technology innovators and investors to work hand in hand to build a more inclusive creative economy.
“To do this, three things are important: Create from your authenticity. Our creativity, stories and voices are global assets.
Cooperate, do not isolate. When innovators, tech workers and investors work together, Africa becomes a product, not just a market.
“Ownership. Blockchain technology allows us to protect our intellectual property, proprietary rights and data on our own terms. So the future is not about replacing African creativity with technology – it is about making sure that technology amplifies our stories, our values and our communities,” he concluded.
