Jonathan Azu

Founder & CEO, Culture Collective

For reasons bigger than music and after years of driving success for some of the industry’s most iconic artists brands and companies, Jonathan Azu left an executive role at entertainment powerhouse Red Light Management to start management firm, Culture Collective.

With a focus on clients of color, Culture Collective is driving change within its industry while also representing creatives who are redefining their culture. While providing its clients with the services to build their careers, Culture Collective is also exemplifying and promoting diverse and inclusive leadership in entertainment which is greatly lacking in music companies today.

As Jonathan stated in his Variety Magazines 2019 Inclusion Impact Report interview, “I wanted to build a company that has diversity and inclusion as its mission…it is important because without it our culture’s narrative could be lost or mistold.”

Prior to joining Red Light, Azu, a two-time Billboard 40 Under 40 Power Player, was EVP & General Manager of Red Light Management, EVP of Operations and Business Development for Superfly Presents and was VP of Music Partnerships for CBS Radio. He is a graduate of Drake University and currently serves as a Board Trustee.

In his career Jonathan has overseen the development of many notable artists and brands including Anita Baker, Emily King, Cory Henry, Luke James, Michelle Williams, Miguel, Kool & the Gang, Lecrae, Leon Thomas, Outside Lands Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and many more.

The Music Industry Advisory Board aims to ensure that students have access to a diverse set of successful music professionals, so they are aware that there is more to the industry beyond being on the main stage. Our mission is to close the gap for the next generation of music industry professionals to create a more inclusive and diverse future.