Today we highlight an individual whose poise, eloquence, and multi-faceted, artistic agenda is deserving of due recognition. His name is Kristofer Madu.
The word ‘gifted’ is overused in today’s sensationalized media climate but in the case of Kristofer Madu, the adjective is apt and maybe in some ways a bit of an understatement. “Everything that I have done in my life has been driven by putting my passion first. The passion that has always been consistent in my life is art and music.” The uniquely poised Madu asserts that the core of his artistic and business philosophy is defined by thriving in the space where innovation, strategy, and capital intersect.
Being from a multicultural family background of having a Nigerian Dad and a Jamaican Mother shaped Madu’s perspectives uniquely and he had no hesitation in acknowledging that “It taught me to always be hungry: to always aspire to be more; see more; do more, and recognize no such thing as “impossible.” As a first-generation immigrant, a Jamaican, and a Nigerian, my travels have always presented me with new challenges and new environments- a life constantly lived outside of my comfort zone. But I believe being outside my comfort zone is the best place to grow. “
Madu graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International / Global Studies and Economics. In the desire to further his education, Madu was selected as one of only 10 students to receive an accelerated Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He has already made indelible contributions to established financial institutions like Morgan Stanley. While at Morgan Stanley, Madu played a supporting role on the team advising global technology company Uber on a $2.25 bn acquisition. It’s appropriate to assert that his track record as a 21 y/o businessman is beyond impressive.
Beneath the sterling business reputation and the immense passion for art, it’s the warm-heartedness and charisma that Madu possesses, that stands out as his most endearing quality. Born to Jamaican and Nigerian parents, the multi-cultural background he hosts inspired him to encapsulate a more unique vision as an aspiring executive in the entertainment industry
It’s no secret that Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s cultural gems. The island is known for its quaint beauty, cultural vibrancy, and its outrageous charm. What is most intriguing, is how an island of approximately 2,9 million people can produce such dynamic contributors to our global society. Undoubtedly culture impacts socialization and in the case of Kristofer Madu, it seems as though some of the qualities about his native island that are most endearing, translate directly into his personality.
In recent news, Madu has been tapped by Warner Music Group to join their New Business & Ventures deal team. He humbly asserts “I was honoured to have been recruited for WMG’s team that handles strategic investments and partnerships with some of the most culturally impactful firms at the intersections of music, gaming, and social media.” Past publicly discussed partnerships include Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and Roblox among others. Functioning in a deeply creative way and being thoroughly strategic isn’t a dynamic that is new to Madu. His company First Friday’s Group gave him noteworthy experience in this capacity, which he is equipped to explore.
“I‘m excited to be able to tie together some of the ropes in my journey. As an artist, I experienced pure “creative” work. In Investment Banking, I experienced pure business. As an entrepreneur in the music space, I experienced the intersection of business and creativity. And now, at Warner Music Group, I am experiencing the creative business. I’m excited to be able to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the business behind the show.“
In 2018, Madu founded First Friday’s Group, events, media, and ed-tech company. Since then, the Company has grown to impressive feats including thousands of customers and receiving backing from giants like Red Bull and Johns Hopkins. Madu announced that in 2021 First Friday’s Group expanded to Artist Management with Madu leading the charge as Global Head of A&R and Artist Management. Madu successfully signed his first major roster artist “Gianni Glo,” an established touring DJ who has performed extensively across the USA
Madu’s passion and appreciation for artistry is certainly no surprise given his background as a musician himself. Before his business career, Madu toured as a recording artist by the name “Travis Karter.” He released 3 albums, garnered more than 500,000 streams. As an artist, Madu used his profits to start and fund a nonprofit organization called Water Is The Answer, which provided clean drinking water for families in need in developing countries.
In closing Madu, wisely asserts that “Follow your passions, not rules. People will often tell you what you can’t do based on their own limitations, not yours. “Impossible” just means “hasn’t been done yet.” Follow your heart and let your ambition guide you. If there are two things you want to do– e.g. music and business– no matter how dissimilar they seem; you can. Find the common thread that ties them together and dive in. Lead a life that challenges others to redefine what’s possible.
