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Our Company

MWANKOM is a global media, entertainment and technology company. From the platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, we reach millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide.

Platforms

We deliver world-class entertainment that delight customers and technology that powers the future.

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Content & Experiences
We create, produce, and distribute leading entertainment, sports, and news and bring incredible events to life around the globe.
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Leadership

Executive Team

Board Members

David Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda

Founder & CEO

Samuel Panda

Co-Founder & CTO

Saffron Houston

Marketing & PR Director

Kael Onion Oakley

Creative Director

Leadership

© 2024 MWANKOM. All Rights Reserved.

David Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda

Co-Founder & CEO

David Romuald has emerged as a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship. For over 15 years, he has ventured into diverse industries, crafting remarkable brands and businesses leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

Seasoned business executive with extensive expertise serving as senior executive with leading worldwide organisations creating new partnerships that provide new solutions to difficult corporate challenges.

Some of DR’s greatest accomplishments are to be the leading force behind opening the Sub-Saharan African market for the relx.com group during which he was able to travel to over 20 countries in Africa and participate in the M&A strategy for one of the fastest growing company from the RELX Group which is now valued at over $15 billion. More recently, DR decided to revive his family Cognac brand romedebellegarde.com which has collaborated with global icons such as Rihanna and is now globally known to be the most expensive Cognac in the world due to its award winning taste.

Following the acquisition of Rolling Stone Africa via a joint venture between MWANKOM & Rolling Stone US, DR has set his sights on revolutionising the media & entertainment scene in Africa and creating a bridge for businesses/investors between Africa and its diaspora via the use of technology.

Samuel Panda

Co-Founder & CTO

Meet Samuel Panda: a trailblazing entrepreneur and digital pioneer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, technology, and creativity. As the founder of Huey Hutch, he has led ground breaking projects for Fortune 500 clients like Adidas, Nike, and Puma.

Samuel’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of creative and tech domains, from the intricacies of branding to software development.

Now, Samuel joins MWANKOM as the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, bringing his wealth of expertise to drive innovation for the MWANKOM App and Rolling Stone Africa’s digital evolution.

Kael Onion Oakley

Creative Director

Meet Kael Onion Oakley, a multidisciplinary creative director and designer based in Manchester. With years of experience collaborating with high-profile clients across diverse sectors such as cultural, retail, music, media, and charity, Kael has left an indelible mark on brands like Waitrose, John Lewis, Dropbox, and the Africa In Motion Film Festival.

Kael’s expertise spans a range of disciplines, including branding and identity, motion design, 3D modelling, and animation. His portfolio showcases a talent for crafting compelling content tailored to various placements and touchpoints, ensuring impactful engagement with audiences.

Since 2020, Kael Onion Oakley has been involved with a number of projects working directly with DR – MWANKOM Founder & CEO which has led to his appointment as the Creative Director for the entire MWANKOM Group including Rolling Stone Africa, where his wealth of creative experience and passion for innovation will undoubtedly enrich our endeavours and shape the future of our brand.

Joseph JP Patterson

Head of Content

Meet Joseph Patterson (aka JP), an experienced journalist and editor with over 15 years worth of experience behind him. JP previously led the editorial team at the youth lifestyle platform Complex UK, where he began as Music Editor at launch in 2014, later becoming Senior Editor and then Editor-In-Chief. He is also the founder of the Black British music/culture magazine TRENCH, which launched in 2017.

Over the years, JP has held positions at MTV UK and MTV IGGY, and has written about Black music and culture for the likes of The Guardian, The Independent, British GQ, Interview Magazine, Mixmag, The FACE, and many more. He is also a Judging Panel Member for the MOBO Awards (Music Of Black Origin), which consists of a group of ten respected music industry figures who help determine the winners each year and assist with other parts of the revered music awards ceremony. As well as his journalism, JP also had a few stints on-air: first as a street music correspondent for BBC Radio 1, then as a host on Diesel Music Radio, and Amazing Radio.

JP joins MWANKOM Group as Head of Editorial Content, with a focus on Rolling Stone Africa, which he says “is set to become the epicentre of Black music and culture globally.” He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the publishing industry and a passion for uplifting the African diaspora – from the continent to the Caribbean to the United Kingdom (where he currently resides).

Nothando Ntuli

Brand Partnerships Manager - Southern Africa Region

With nearly 9 years of experience as a Brand Connector and Digital Account Manager, Nothando developed a strong passion for media. She is particularly driven by the opportunity to tell impactful brand stories through digital platforms, connecting them with the right audience, and creating innovative solutions that resonate.

Rama Ndiaye

Entertainment Programming

With extensive experience in entertainment programming across the globe, Rama is passionate about showcasing the talent and stories of thousands of creatives. Her work highlights diverse voices and talents, bringing unique narratives to life on the international stage.

Bola Mosuro

Presenter

Bola Mosuro is a veteran broadcaster, journalist and documentary maker and made her name primarily working for the BBC World Service as a renowned radio journalist and programme anchor. She was a staple on the radio for millions around Africa for three decades. Bola co-produced “The Story of Africa” a 23-part History radio and podcast series broadcast on the BBC World Service and has produced and presented several other BBC documentaries including her 2016 documentary podcast “Naija Sexual Desires.”

A media trainer, narrator and conference moderator with a passion for development on the continent, Bola cut her teeth in development work with the Institute for African Alternatives and also working with Akina Mama Wa Afrika in the early 90s. She has a keen interest in women’s issues, personal storytelling and the arts. Bola was raised in both London and Lagos.

Ellie Howard

Content Producer

Ellie Howard is a forward-thinking Content Producer and the Founder of 1709 Productions, a dynamic video production company she has successfully led for the past seven years. With over 1 million collective views on her projects, Ellie’s passion for storytelling shines through in her directing, filming, and editing of music videos, documentaries, live events, and commercials.

Takudzwa Nyambi

Contributor Editor - Southern Africa Region.

Takudzwa Nyambi is a media and communications practitioner sharing stories about Africa through various mediums such as writing, photography and film. An accomplished writer, Takudzwa’s work has been published in several publications such as GQ South Africa, Glamour South Africa, Okay Africa and Hypebeast Africa to name a few, telling stories from more than 20 countries around the globe.

Melissa "Kiwi" Rodrigues

Marketing Intern

Kiwi is a master’s student in Media and Creative Industries with a profound passion for social justice and visual arts, particularly how they intersect. As a Black and Queer Woman, I’m deeply engaged with the concepts of Afropeanism and intersectionality. Kiwi goal is to contribute to a more inclusive creative industry and inspire Africans worldwide to share, connect, and create freely, embracing their true selves beyond societal constraints.

Itohan Barlow

Group Advisory Board Member

We are delighted to welcome Itohan to the MWANKOM family! As a Cultural Producer and Design Director, and founder of Indigo Arya, a boutique creative agency in Lagos with global clientele.

Itohan brings a wealth of expertise and experience, her work over the last 12 years has centred around corporate identity, design innovation, sustainability advocacy, product design, and visual and performing art projects, aligning perfectly with our mission and values.

Having collaborated with financial institutions, governmental entities, and pioneering figures across diverse sectors on three continents, her expertise resonates across Africa, Europe and the Middle East and is currently expanding.

We are thrilled to welcome Itohan to the MWANKOM family! With her expertise and passion, we are confident she will bring value and contribute to the positive transformations we aim to achieve.

Peter-Che-Simmons

Group Advisory Board Member

Peter-Che Simmons, a seasoned entrepreneur, has spent the past two decades living and working in Barbados. Although he has worked and studied in the United Kingdom and the United States, Peter’s roots drew him back to his homeland in 2004.

He is dedicated to contributing to its growth by nurturing businesses that directly benefit his beloved country, as well as the rest of the Caribbean and Africa.

Leveraging his expertise in cultivating relationships with project owners, Peter has cultivated a vast global network of contacts. This extensive network enables him to facilitate connections between partners from diverse industries, fostering collaboration and synergy across various sectors.

Peter is sure to ignite inspiration and we look forward to the positive impact and the meaningful contributions he will make to our shared goals.

Ammo Telwar Mbe

Group Advisory Board Member

Ammo Telwar MBE, A true trailblazer in the realm of music entrepreneurship, Ammo’s journey from selling vinyl at his cherished record shop to leading an award-winning music and arts agency is truly inspiring.

His vision has not only shaped the industry but has also sparked innovation and creativity worldwide.

Ammo’s accolades speak volumes – from receiving an MBE for his outstanding contributions to music and youth empowerment to his role as Chairman of The UK Music Diversity Taskforce. His leadership extends far beyond boardrooms, advocating for diversity and inclusion across sectors and communities.

As a cultural ambassador and advocate, Ammo’s impact resonates globally, influencing policies and shaping the future of music and arts. His commitment to equity and representation has paved the way for meaningful change, from local campaigns to international initiatives.

We are pleased to welcome Ammo Talwar to the Mwankom family, where his passion for music, culture, and community will undoubtedly inspire us all.

Didier Agueh

Group Advisory Board Member

Didier Agueh is the Brand Artistic Director for Park Plaza Hotel Europe (PPHE), prior to this Didier has hosted celebrity parties, galas and corporate events, at clubs across Ibiza, Barcelona, Tel-Aviv and Paris.

He has been bringing for the past years his wealth of expertise in booking the best artists and entertainment to creating the ideal venues in London and abroad.

Didier who’s heritage is from Benin is now looking forward to positively contributing to Africa via cultural & impact projects.

We are excited for Didier to bring is wealth of hospitality and events to MWANKOM.

Ayokunle Akinkugbe

Group Advisory Board Member

Ayokunle Akinkugbe, holds a B.Sc. (Econs.) Hons. degree in Accountancy from the University College Cardiff in Wales, U.K. Upon graduation, he returned to Nigeria in 1985 to cut his teeth in the Nigerian business environment.

Since 1990, he has established and nurtured a number of entrepreneurial enterprises in the areas of Event Management, Hospitality Services, Personnel Management and Insurance Brokerage into robust, best in class businesses.

In 1995, Kunle was drafted into the family business to support the foreign management of a local joint venture between Linkup Investments (family holding company), Atlas Copco CME AB and Nitro Nobel AB.

Currently, Kunle serves as the Managing Director of Linkup Investments Limited and directly oversees the operations of it’s subsidiaries, Linkup Logistics Limited (Key Distributor for Pernod Ricard) and Alma Stores Limited (Key Distributor for Diageo), in the area of retail redistribution and 3rd party logistics (3PL) for some of the world’s best known FMCG brands from global category leaders.

He is also a co-founder of a leading not-for-profit private school, Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School and serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Irede Foundation, an NGO providing prosthetic limbs for child amputees.

Nicolas Duvalier

Group Advisory Board Member

Nicolas’s journey spans from his roots in Haiti to his upbringing in France, where he pursued studies in international affairs and management.

With a profound connection to his homeland, he returned to Haiti in 2011, dedicating himself to the fields of agriculture, philanthropy, and copywriting, all with the aim of fostering the nation’s prosperity.

As a passionate entrepreneur, Nicolas channels his voice and expertise to champion Haiti’s abundant potential. With a blend of strong heritage and global insight, Nicolas Duvalier brings a unique perspective to his professional endeavors and we are delighted to welcome Nicolas into the MWANKOM family.

Mykaell Riley

Group Advisory Board Member

We are delighted to welcome the accomplished @Mykaell as our newest board member. His illustrious career spans music, academia, and various prestigious roles.

Mykaell began with the Grammy-winning reggae band Steel Pulse. As a writer/producer, he has achieved over eleven UK top twenty positions and three UK number ones. He formed the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra and composed for TV, including the BBC, SKY, Endemol, and Netflix.

Mykaell is the Director of the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) at the University of Westminster. His “Bass Culture” project, funded by the AHRC, led to the Grime Report, Bass Culture Exhibition, and documentary film, impacting London policing and earning recognition.

Mykaell’s roles include Associate Professor, Consultant, Curator, Researcher, Producer, Songwriter, and Fellow of Arts & Business and the Royal Society for the Arts. He has worked with the British Library, Museum of London, Leeds Arts, Trinity Laban, and Tavaziva Dance.

We are thrilled to have Mykaell’s wealth of experience and expertise on our board.

Collins J. Harris IV

Group Advisory Board Member

Collins J. Harris IV is a dynamic leader and creative executive specialising in international music and production. As Senior Director of Production & Development with BET International, Harris has driven brand growth for six years, collaborating with teams, production companies, and producers worldwide. His work spans Africa, Brazil, France, and the UK, leading teams through development, strategy, production, and delivery.

In 2020, Harris launched BET UK’s original programming slate, achieving award-winning results. In 2023, he served as Executive Producer on the music documentary “The Evolution of Black British Music,” which won a Royal Television Society Award for Best Arts Programme. He also co-executive produced two seasons of Comedy Central’s “Drunk History: Black Stories,” with Season 1 winning a 2022 Broadcast Digital Award for Best Short Form Format.

Since 2020, Harris has managed all international music and impact categories and led global integration for BET tentpoles, including the BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, and Soul Train Awards. He holds a B.S. from Hampton University and a Master of Fine Arts from Emerson College in Boston.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong

Group Advisory Board Member

Toyosi Etim-Effiong is a standout figure in the media world, boasting a decade of achievements and a strong commitment to boosting Nigerian cinema worldwide. She is the founder of That Good Media, a media solutions company that specialises in Talent Management and International Strategic Partnerships for the Nigerian Film and TV industry.

A key aspect of Toyosi’s work is her role as a champion of cultural exchange, forging partnerships between the Nigerian Film and TV industry and its international counterparts.

She has collaborated on cultural connections initiatives with organisations such as Multichoice, Essence Film Festival, and the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), among others. We are thrilled to welcome Toyosi and her outstanding knowledge to the MWANKOM family!

CHINEDU OKEKE

Group Advisory Board Member

Chinedu ‘Chin’ Okeke is a Creative Industrialist and was most recently the Managing Director of Universal Music Africa. As an Entertainment Entrepreneur and Music Executive, Chin has spent his career changing the conversation about what Africa and its creative industries can bring to the world at large

Chin is presently the Chairman and CEO of the Eclipse Group, a family of aggregated media and entertainment assets he founded in 2010. His group spans branding and communications for the likes of Pepsi, Coke, Redbull, MTN and Nokia; live events and ticketing, including [Chin to add]; technology; and was the creative and production-mind behind the Gidi Culture Festival, West Africa’s largest and longest-running music festival—an entertainment property that his group still owns and operates today.  

Chin began his career in the M&A department of Credit Suisse in New York, and at AP Moller Maersk Group in Shanghai and Lagos. He was a founding member of the Steering Council for the ILMC Futures Forum, and was named on Billboard’s 2021 International Power Players List. Chin is also a founding Trustee of the ECHO Music and Arts foundation.

Over the years, Chin has lived and worked across New York, London, Beijing, Shanghai and Lagos; speaks four languages; and currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria with his wife and son.