The SUCCESS of EMY Africa and how it started in Ghana - Kojo Soboh

Wait, how did EMY Africa actually start?

I just finished watching the latest episode of Konnected Minds with Derrick Abaitey, and honestly, my head is spinning. We all see the glitz, the red carpets, and the sharp suits at the EMY Africa Awards every year, right? But I never knew the real story behind it until I heard Kojo Soboh break it down.

Kojo isn't just a guy who likes events. He’s a dreamer who actually put in the work. He sat down with Derrick to talk about the transition from working a 'regular' job to creating one of the most prestigious award schemes on the continent. And no, it wasn’t an overnight success story.

It started with a simple 'Why?'

One thing that hit me hard was when Kojo talked about why he focused on men. In a world where we’re constantly talking about empowerment, he realized that celebrating positive male role models was a gap nobody was filling. He wanted to give young Ghanaian guys someone to look up to—men who are doing things the right way.

Have you ever had an idea that sounded crazy to everyone else? Kojo had that. He didn't have a massive budget or a huge team at the start. He just had a vision for excellence. He mentioned how he had to knock on doors and convince big brands to believe in a concept that didn't exist yet. That takes a different kind of liver.

The 'Ghanaian Excellence' standard

Derrick and Kojo got into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to maintain a high standard in Ghana. We love to complain about 'mediocrity' in our space, but Kojo is obsessed with the details. From the lighting to the way guests are seated, he treats EMY like a global brand, not just a local party. He’s proof that if you don't compromise on your quality, the world will eventually pay attention.

But it wasn't all talk about business. They touched on personal growth and the mental toughness you need when things go south. Imagine planning a massive event and facing 100 problems at once? That’s where the self-mastery Derrick always talks about comes in.

What can we learn?

If you're an entrepreneur or just someone trying to figure out your next move, you need to watch this. Kojo’s journey reminds me that you don't need to have every single tool fixed before you start. You just need to start, stay consistent, and be okay with the struggle before the success.

What’s that one 'crazy' idea you’ve been sitting on? After listening to Kojo, I’m starting to think mine isn't so crazy after all. Let's get to work.

Watch the full conversation above and let me know what your biggest takeaway was. For me, it was definitely the part about building a legacy, not just a business.