AI, Blockchain will redefine creative ownership in Africa — Dami Adenuga
Ugo Aliogo
The Founder of DAW Empire, Dami Adenuga, has said that artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology are transforming Africa’s creative industry by empowering artists to take greater control of their careers.
Adenuga made this known while speaking on the topic, “Creatives in Tech”, at the 2025 edition of the African Block Festival held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The festival, themed “Africa’s Blockchain Renaissance: Building a Future of Innovation and Inclusion”, brought together leading voices in technology, innovation, and the arts across the continent.
According to the entertainment executive, the fusion of creativity and technology is unlocking new possibilities for African talent.
“From managing talent across Africa, I’ve learned that artists win when they control three things: their narrative, their data, and their audience. That’s exactly where AI and blockchain are changing the game,” he said.
He explained that artificial intelligence has revolutionised the creative process by giving artists access to data-driven insights and affordable tools that enhance their productivity.
“AI is making creativity faster and smarter. A young artist in Kigali or Lagos can now refine their sound, study their audience, and launch targeted campaigns without needing a huge team or big budget,” he added.
Adenuga noted that blockchain technology has further reshaped the business side of the creative industry by promoting transparency and ensuring creators get their due rewards.
He continued, “Blockchain is making ownership transparent. It turns creative into an economy where royalties are clear, IP is protected, and fans can become actual stakeholders in an artist’s journey, not just spectators. That builds loyalty and shared growth.”
He stressed that while creativity is essential, building structures and systems is what sustains long-term success in the entertainment and tech ecosystem.
“The biggest lesson is this: Talent alone does not scale. Systems do. Creatives who treat their careers like companies grow consistently and sustainably,” he said.
The Daw Empire founder advised emerging creatives to approach innovation with purpose, focusing on ownership and data rather than mere trends.
He said, “So, for anyone stepping into AI and blockchain: focus on ownership, not hype, build your community, focus on consistency and data to guide decision making.”
According to Adenuga, Africa’s rich culture and youthful energy position it to lead the global wave of digital creativity — if creators embrace technology strategically.
“The future belongs to creatives who are not just talented, but digitally empowered — and Africa has the culture, the youth, and the influence to lead this next wave.
“Africa is not just consuming culture; we create it. So our goal is not to just use AI and blockchain, but to shape them with our identity and values.”
He emphasised that collaboration and originality are key drivers of this transformation, calling on artists, tech innovators, and investors to work hand in hand to build a more inclusive creative economy.
“To do that, three things matter: create from your originality. Our creativity, stories and sounds are global assets.
Collaborate, don’t isolate. When creatives, tech people, and investors work together, Africa becomes a producer, not just a market.
“Ownership. Blockchain allows us to protect our IP, royalties, and data on our own terms. So the future is not about replacing African creativity with technology — it’s about making sure technology amplifies our stories, our values, and our communities”, he concluded.
