Stephanie Okocha Marks 10 Years in Industry with Scholarships for Aspiring Industry leaders
In an exclusive interview, Stephanie Okocha, the highly respected music executive and founder of Panda Entertainment, reflected on her incredible journey over the past decade in the music industry. To celebrate this significant milestone, she has awarded scholarships to two promising students from The Music Business Academy (MBA) for Africa 2024, underscoring her unwavering commitment to education and innovation in the creative sector.
When asked about her motivation for supporting MBA for Africa, Stephanie shared, “I wanted to give back and help build a skilled workforce for Africa’s entertainment industry. I reached out to them because I was eager to sponsor some talented students.” The academy selected Emmanuel Nimmak and Michelle Uzuegbu as the recipients based on their strict criteria that prioritize excellence and creative innovation.
The scholarships will provide Emmanuel and Michelle with the essential skills they need to thrive in the music business. Reflecting on her own journey, Stephanie recounted, “During my nine-month break from work, I was eager to deepen my understanding of the music industry. At that time, Nigeria didn’t have schools offering this kind of education, so I applied to a program in the U.S. Now, I’m thrilled that aspiring executives can pursue their dreams right here in Nigeria. Education is the foundation of growth, and I’m passionate about helping young professionals succeed in both business and the creative arts.”
As Panda Entertainment continues to make its mark on the African music scene, this scholarship initiative exemplifies the company’s commitment to empowering emerging talent. “Panda Entertainment has always strived to push boundaries, and this scholarship program is part of that vision. It’s about more than just producing music; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone involved,” Stephanie emphasized.
Looking ahead, Stephanie expressed her excitement about launching more impactful projects and initiatives aimed at driving growth both within and beyond the music industry.