Executive Director of EMY Africa, Daniel Kojo Soboh, has shared the story behind the name and vision of the prestigious awards platform.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s prime-time show, Soboh revealed that EMY Africa was inspired by his own name, Daniel.
He explained that “EMY Africa evoked from my name, Daniel,” adding that the biblical meaning of Daniel, which signifies “excellence,” greatly influenced the foundation and philosophy of the brand.
Recounting his early years in Bogoso, a serene town in Ghana’s Western Region, Soboh said his upbringing among both black and white residents exposed him to diverse cultures. He frequently watched international channels like KTV and MTV Base, which broadened his worldview and nurtured his appreciation for creativity and quality.
These experiences, he said, sparked his passion to prove that Africans are equally capable of achieving excellence. That conviction led to the birth of EMY Africa, a platform created to celebrate and promote distinction across the continent.
Soboh stressed that the vision behind EMY Africa extends beyond recognition. It seeks to redefine global perceptions of African talent, creativity, and achievement.
He acknowledged that the journey has not been without challenges, particularly in funding and gaining appreciation for creative projects in Ghana.
“Here, appreciation for creativity and excellence is still quite low. When you go to sponsors and explain your vision, they often don’t understand the cost of big productions. So, you have to be extremely creative to achieve your goals,” he said, noting that his determination and belief in his dreams keep him moving forward.
Soboh also credited much of EMY Africa’s success to strong relationships built over the years. “One of the things that has helped us grow is the strong support system we’ve built. I’ve developed relationships with technical production houses that believe in my vision and support me to achieve it. People often assume I pay huge sums for what I get, but it’s really the value of relationships that makes the difference,” he said.
“Some of the teams I work with are challenged by my ideas, but they enjoy the process—and together, we’ve built something truly special.”
