Munyaradzi “Munya” Chanetsa, is a music executive, creative entrepreneur, and TED Talker passionate about shaping the future of African music. As the Managing Director of EMPIRE Publishing Africa and the founder of Masters of the Industry (M.O.T.I), his work sits at the intersection of music, technology, and business. Munya’s focus on publishing, licensing, and artist development, ensures African creatives have the tools and platforms to thrive on a global scale.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?

Mornings for me always start with some form of movement—it could be swimming, cycling, or a sauna session—just something to get my mind and body in the right place before the day starts. Fitness has become a big priority, and I’ve been making sure to stick to it.

Once my day officially starts, I spend a lot of time checking in with songwriters and producers signed to EMPIRE Publishing. I see what they’re working on and share opportunities for their music to be used in film, TV, ads, or video games. Another key part of my day is engaging with new potential signees from across the continent and making sure that our internal team is properly registering and managing our writers’ work.

Evenings are often about aligning with the U.S. team, making sure we’re all on the same page across different time zones. On nights when I don’t have meetings, I either take some time to relax at home or I’m out at industry events—whether it’s a studio session, launch party, or a concert. Music is everywhere in my life, and I love being present in spaces where it’s being made and celebrated.

What dishes hold a special place in your heart?

As I’ve grown older, I’ve really come to appreciate traditional African cuisine, especially some dishes I never thought I’d enjoy. One of those is musoro wemombe (cow head)—something I now genuinely love and must have whenever I’m home in Zimbabwe. Another favourite is cow heel pepper soup from Nigeria—extra hot, of course.

Nigeria has had a big influence on my taste in food, and egusi soup with chicken has become another dish I thoroughly enjoy. My love for spicy food started early, thanks to my Ghanaian family, who introduced me to bold, flavourful dishes when I was younger. Over time, I’ve embraced African food in a deeper way, and now, there’s nothing more comforting than a good traditional meal.

How would you describe your home, and what are some of the design elements or pieces that make it truly feel like “you”?

What I love most about my home is the art I’ve collected on my travels. I have paintings from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana, and each one tells a story of where I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had. These pieces bring a sense of warmth and history to my space, making it feel like home, no matter where I am.

Are there any travel destinations that have left a lasting impression on you, and why do you find yourself drawn to them?

I absolutely love traveling across Africa—there’s so much to learn, and I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of what this continent has to offer. One place that’s had a huge impact on me is Nigeria.

Some people describe their relationship with Nigeria as love-hate, but for me, it’s pure love. The energy, work ethic, and music culture in Nigeria are unmatched. The way the industry moves, the drive people have—it’s something that has truly shaped how I see things. Nigerian music is now a global force, and being in that environment firsthand has been an eye-opener. And then there’s the food. I love Nigerian food, and thankfully, because of my Ghanaian family, I was already used to eating spicy food.

Beyond Nigeria, Ghana is another place I really enjoy—especially for the festivals, the music, and just good times in general. It’s a different kind of energy, more relaxed but still vibrant, and I’ve had some of my best travel experiences there. And of course, the jollof rice never disappoints.

What hobbies or passions do you enjoy when you’re not working? How do these activities help you recharge or inspire you?

Even though music is my job, it’s also something I truly love. Live music concerts are one of my favourite things to experience—there’s nothing quite like hearing music in its purest form, feeling the energy of a crowd, and just being in that moment.

I’ve also started collecting vinyl records, especially African classics. There’s something special about hunting for vinyl, finding rare records, and throwing them on at home. Another thing I plan on picking up again is playing the piano—it’s a skill I want to develop further, not just for work but for myself.

Outside of music, watching movies and series with my close friends and my girlfriend has become one of my favourite pastimes. We take our movie critiques seriously, breaking down everything from storylines to cinematography—mostly for fun because we think we’re movie snobs. It’s always a great way to unwind and share some laughs.