dr. Adesegun adeosun jnr.
Afrobeats Pioneer • Cultural Diplomat • Global Speaker
For over 21 years, Dr. King SMADE has built one of the world’s leading cultural platforms, taking Afrobeats from Africa to the global stage. As Founder of SMADE Entertainment Group and Co-Founder of Afro Nation, he produces sold-out festivals and global cultural events connecting millions.
Trusted by global brands & institutions
Impact at a Glance
Proof of scale across cities, audiences, partnerships and years of consistency.
about
Dr. King SMADE is a cultural architect, entrepreneur, and one of the driving forces behind the global rise of Afrobeats.
His journey began in London with house parties that united the African diaspora through music — a grassroots movement that grew into a global platform. As Founder of SMADE Entertainment Group and Co-Founder of Afro Nation, he has produced some of the world’s most iconic Black music festivals and live experiences.
Today, his work spans cultural diplomacy and creative tourism, connecting artists, brands, and nations — positioning African creativity as both a cultural and economic force.
As Seen In
what I do
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Live Events & Festivals
Designing and producing global Afrobeats experiences — from Afro Nation and stadium shows to city takeovers that transform culture into community.
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Cultural Diplomacy & Partnerships
Building bridges between brands, governments, and the creative sector through strategic collaborations, cultural diplomacy, and cross-continent partnerships.
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Speaking & Thought Leadership
Delivering keynotes, panels, and cultural commentary on Afrobeats, the creative economy, and Africa’s growing influence on the global stage.
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Talent & Ecosystem Building
Developing the next generation of creative leaders through the SMADE NextGen Academy, mentorship, and industry pathways that strengthen the wider ecosystem.
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CREATIVE STRATEGY & BRAND BUILDING
Advising brands, festivals, and cultural platforms on audience psychology, community building, storytelling, and culturally intelligent brand growth.
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CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT
Partnering with institutions and governments to shape infrastructure, expand tourism pipelines, and build sustainable creative networks across Africa and the diaspora.
My Work
Who I Work With
From boardrooms to festival grounds, I partner with organisations and creators who see African creativity as a global force – not a trend.
Let’s WorkGlobal Brands & Innovation Teams
Partnering with marketing, culture and leadership teams to build Afrobeats-led campaigns, experiences and strategies that resonate with Black audiences and the wider world.
Ministries, Cities & Cultural Bodies
Advising on creative tourism, diaspora engagement and cultural diplomacy programmes that position nations as hubs for African music and culture.
Entrepreneurs & Culture-Builders
Supporting promoters, festival founders and creative entrepreneurs through the SMADE NextGen Academy and bespoke mentorship pathways.
Live Events & City Takeovers
Collaborating with festival owners, venues and promoters to design high-impact Afrobeats experiences and multi-city cultural ecosystems.
Fashion Houses & Designers
Working with fashion brands to create image-defining moments, campaigns and cultural partnerships that sit at the intersection of style and story.
MAJOR EVENTS
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Afronation Puerto Rico | Founded 2024 | co- FOUNDER
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afronation Detroit | FOUNDED 2024 | co- FOUNDER
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afronation Miami | FOUNDED 2023
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yam carnival | founded 2022
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afronation ghana | FOUNDED 2019
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afronation Portugal | FOUNDED 2019
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STARBOY FEST | founded 2019
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smade afrobeats easterfest | founded 2016
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WIZKID MADE IN LAGOS | 2021
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DAVIDO AT THE O2
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THE ENDS FESTIVAL
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I LOVE AFROBEATS
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AFROBEATS FESTIVAL
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afrorepublik
Where culture meets the world stage
Dr. Adesegun “King SMADE” Adeosun Jnr. is a cultural architect and Afrobeats pioneer. He speaks on how African creativity is reshaping global culture — and how brands, governments, and institutions can build authentic bridges with the continent and its diaspora.
Professional Speaker Profile
Founder, SMADE Entertainment Group • Co-Founder, Afro Nation. Producer of global festivals and cultural programs across 18+ cities with over 2 million attendees. Advocate for cultural diplomacy and creative tourism.
Key Topics
Past Speaking & Media Appearances
From global brands to cultural summits, King SMADE has shared insights and shaped conversations on Afrobeats, cultural diplomacy, and creative leadership.
awards & recognitions
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uk africa and trade xpo - 2025
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HONARARY doctorate - 2025
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SOCIAL CIRQ - 2025
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BRITAFRIQUE AWARD - 2019
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AFRICAN PRIDE AWARDS - 2018
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AFW TRADE EXPO 2024
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mipad 2024
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![Ranks Africa 100 Most Impactful People 2024]()
Ranks Africa 100 Most Impactful People 2024
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nelas academy (TOP 100 PERSONALITIES) 2019
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AFRICOMEU 2016
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NEL AWARDS - best business (2012)
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Pauline Long foundation humanitarian award
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global african awards
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City of los angeles certificate of recognition
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forty under 40
Press & Features
Zimbabwe Creative Diplomacy Mission (2025)
Cultural Diplomacy Missions
FASHION BRANDS & PARTNERSHIPS
Building iconic collaborations at the intersection of culture, style, and global influence.
BALADEUR X SMADE
FRESH BY DOTUN
David Wej
Made in Africa
You vs You
Mary Martin London
ARTISTS WE’VE WORKED WITH
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2BABA 🇳🇬
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adekunle gold 🇳🇬
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AFRO B 🇨🇮🇬🇧
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asake 🇳🇬
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baba Harare 🇿🇼
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BANKY W 🇳🇬
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BIEN 🇰🇪
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BNXN 🇳🇬
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black sheriff 🇬🇭
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burna boy 🇳🇬
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camidoh 🇬🇭
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CASSPER NYOVEST 🇿🇦
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CENTRAL CEE 🇬🇧
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Chike 🇳🇬
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CKay 🇳🇬
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COMPOZERS 🇬🇧
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DARKOO 🇳🇬🇬🇧
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DAVIDO 🇳🇬
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DEJ LOAF 🇺🇸
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D BANJ 🇳🇬
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DIAMOND PLATINUMZ 🇹🇿
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DJ MAPHORISA 🇿🇦
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DJ SPINALL 🇳🇬
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DON JAZZY 🇳🇬
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FALZ 🇳🇬
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FIK FAMEICA 🇺🇬
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FOCALISTIC 🇿🇦
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Freeman HKD 🇿🇼
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fuse odg 🇬🇭
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ICE PRINCE 🇳🇬
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iYANYA 🇳🇬
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JAH PRAYZAH 🇿🇼
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JULS 🇬🇧🇬🇭
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J HUS 🇬🇧
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Kamo Mphela 🇿🇦
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kizz Daniel 🇳🇬
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LATTO 🇺🇸
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l.a.x.🇳🇬
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LOLA RAE 🇳🇬🇬🇧
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LYNXXX 🇳🇬
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mayorkun 🇳🇬
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MOELOGO 🇬🇧🇳🇬
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MR EAZI 🇳🇬
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MS BANKS 🇬🇧
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musa keys 🇿🇦
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NAIRA MARLEY 🇳🇬
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nqobile 🇿🇦🇬🇧
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olamide 🇳🇬
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Omarion 🇺🇸
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oxlade 🇳🇬
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patoranking 🇳🇬
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phyno 🇳🇬
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p-square 🇳🇬
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rema 🇳🇬
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rotimi 🇳🇬
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Ruger 🇳🇬
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shingai shoniwa 🇿🇼🇿🇼
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SIMI 🇳🇬
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Skyla Tylaa 🇬🇧
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spyro 🇳🇬
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STEFFLON DON 🇬🇧
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STONE BWOY 🇬🇭
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STYLO G 🇯🇲
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SONA 🇬🇧
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teni 🇳🇬
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TION WAYNE 🇬🇧
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TINIE TEMPAH 🇳🇬
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Tiwa savage 🇳🇬
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WALE 🇺🇸
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willis chimano 🇰🇪
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WIZKID 🇳🇬
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WurlD 🇳🇬🇺🇸
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YCEE 🇳🇬
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YEMI ALADE 🇳🇬
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ZLATAN 🇳🇬
As told by Dr.Adesegun Adesoun Jnr (King SMADE)
the gospel of afrobeats
A grassroots incubator for the next generation of culture-builders.
From SMADE the promoter to Dr. KING SMADE the cultural architect
this journey has always been about building platforms, creating opportunities, and shaping a future where new voices can rise.
Now, it’s time to open the doors for the next generation.
THE JOURNEY
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2004-2007
Kings Cross house parties spark a cultural movement
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2009
Co-promotes D’banj Koko Concert at Indigo2
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2011
Launches Afrobeats Festival – HMV Apollo Wizkid, P-Square, Ice Prince, Davido and Flavour all feature across editions.
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2014
UK Tours & SMADEAFROFEST — Wizkid, Olamide, Ice Prince, Dr Sid, Mr May D.
Headliners: Wande Coal, Maleek Berry, Kizz Daniel. -
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2019
Co-founds Afro Nation Festival (Portugal & Ghana) Becomes the world’s largest Afrobeats festival brand.
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2021
3x Sold-Out O2 Arena with Wizkid
Launches SMADE Lounge + headlines Yam Carnival (London) -
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2022
Davido headlines O2 Arena (March)
University Tour | Lounge becomes nightlife epicentre of UK Afrobeats -
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2024
Led strategic tourism advocacy in Nigeria, Ghana, Dubai, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia
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2024
Headlined Afro Nation Portugal & Detroit while hosting global icons like Davido and Wizkid
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2025
Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his 21-year contribution to Afrobeats and cultural diplomacy
Contact Us
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