Ibukun “Aibee” Abidoye, Esq. is a woman who defies easy categorization. She’s a lawyer, a music executive, a passionate advocate, and a visionary leader, all rolled into one. Her journey is proof to the power of following your passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
Aibee’s path to the music industry was paved with hard work and a determination to explore diverse fields. She started her career as an Office Manager & Assistant to the Director of Creative A&R at Notting Hill Music Publishing, gaining valuable experience in the music industry from the ground up. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to a Summer Clerkship with Hon. Sterling Johnson, United States District Court Judge, E.D.N.Y., where she further honed her legal skills.
Aibee’s commitment to the legal profession continued with internships at Templars Barristers & Solicitors and The Harry Fox Agency. She also served as a Student Mediator at Manhattan Small Claims Court and as an Assistant to the Director of Employee Relations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This diverse range of experiences shaped her into a well-rounded professional with a keen understanding of different industries and their complexities.
After a brief stint as a Legal Assistant Intern at Oshikanlu & Associates, PLLC, Aibee’s passion for music ultimately led her to Chocolate City. She rose through the ranks, becoming the first female Executive Vice President of Music, demonstrating her dedication and leadership qualities.
Aibee understands the power of music to connect, inspire, and empower. She’s worked tirelessly to ensure that Nigerian artists receive the recognition and compensation they deserve, collaborating with major platforms like Facebook, Apple Music, and YouTube, and mobile network operators like 9Mobile and MTN.
She’s a champion for diversity and inclusion, serving as a Trustee on the Boards of the Music Publishers Association of Nigeria, Record Labels Association of Nigeria, and Women in Music, Nigeria. Her work extends beyond the boardroom; she’s a vocal advocate for the rights of songwriters and producers, working to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.
But Aibee’s passion for equality doesn’t stop there. She recognized a glaring gap in the Nigerian music industry: the lack of opportunities for women. This realization led her to spearhead the NAHLA initiative, a program dedicated to empowering young women in music, providing them with the skills and resources needed to succeed. As CEO of NAHLA, Aibee is a force for change, actively dismantling the barriers that have historically held women back in the music business.
Aibee’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Fyro Music Media LLP, further solidifying her commitment to the music industry. Her journey is one that shows a belief in the transformative power of music and her dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for artists.
She’s a trailblazer, a visionary, and a true unsung hero in the Nigerian music industry. Her story inspires us to follow our passions, embrace challenges, and make a difference in the world, one move at a time.
