Tolu Ogunleye
Professionally known as Drtonez
Tolulope Ogunleye (Drtonez) describes his practice as a blend of artistic creation and cultural architecture. His work spans Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including ongoing artistic direction for the UK-based Francis Bondd (since 2021), the Magik Boys Band (since 2026), and Wavymusic Group artist Youngmillz (since 2024), alongside other artists, music projects, festivals, concerts, and multidisciplinary projects.
As an artistic leader, he is the Founder & Lead Artistic Director of Amplify Nexus Limited, where he curates the Emerging Music & Entertainment Executive Breakfast Meeting, and the Founder of African Jembe Initiative, a platform dedicated to promoting original musical composition and cross-cultural co-creation.
His extensive background in music and artistic leadership includes previous roles as Music Arranger, Music Curator, Artistic Director, Music Director, Head of Music at Jehiz Entertainment, and appointed Chief Executive Officer of a record label. Through these roles, he has directed artistic concepts, arranged and composed musical works, directed live music productions and concerts, supervised recording sessions, rolled out projects, and commissioned performances that define artistic expression within the global creative economy.
Featured in globally recognized media. Praised for exceptional leadership in arts, entertainment, cultural architecture, and strategy.
A Practice Measured in Reach and Results
Roles Across the Creative Economy
Hillcross Records · Nigeria
Led international expansion, drove exponential growth in streaming reach, and reimagined artist development and creative entrepreneurship for a global audience.
Francis Bondd / Magik Boys Band · United Kingdom
Leading artistic vision and creative direction for international live performance and recorded output.
WavyClick Music Group · Nigeria
Streamlining operations and enabling multi-territory expansion for a leading music and entertainment company.
Amplify Nexus Limited
Working across artistic direction, cultural architecture, system architecture, and music industry support — engaging with artists, brands, and ventures at a strategic level to define identity, build systems, and direct execution with precision. Convener of the Emerging Music & Entertainment Executive Breakfast Meeting (4 editions).
Scholarly Art
Advancing research, policy, and cultural practice — positioning African intellectualism at the core of contemporary creative development.
Cultural Programs & Public Voice
Drtonez has curated numerous cultural and entertainment events and festivals — including Moments Beyond Thrills, ZeDfest 2023, Lagos Festival of Nightlife, Surell Night, Zed1st Lagos Inversion Tour, and Tap In, among others.
His thought leadership extends to global platforms as a speaker, mentor, and judge — including Africa Fashion Week (music & fashion economy), CREP Global Virtual Music Summit (music business fundamentals), international creative industry panels, and juvenile competitions. He actively mentors through MicroMentor, AfricaCreatives, and The CREP — shaping the next generation of creative leaders.
ECHO — African Jembe EP
A two-song African Jembe EP project exploring rhythm, consciousness, identity, and human connection through African musical expression.
Composed, Arranged & Directed by Drtonez.
Learn More → Music WorksAcademic Foundation
Master of Arts in Music
Specialization: Music Economy, Management & Digital Culture
Lagos State University — Graduated with Distinction
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Specialization: Music Business, Management & Administration
Lagos State University — Second Class Upper
Professional Development & Certifications
Professional diplomas in Project Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, and Media Studies (Alison).
Completed advanced Project Management & Consulting Simulations with PwC, BCG, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, and Mastercard (2024–2025).