Daniel Kojo Soboh, the Executive Director of EMY Africa, has shared the deeply personal origin story of the continent’s most prestigious men’s awards platform. Speaking on Joy Prime in November 2025, Soboh revealed that the name “EMY Africa” was directly inspired by his own first name, Daniel.
He explained that the biblical meaning of Daniel – which he interprets as a symbol of “excellence” and integrity – became the foundational philosophy for the brand. This vision was further shaped by his childhood in Bogoso, where growing up in a diverse, multicultural mining community and watching international media outlets like MTV Base fueled his desire to prove that African creativity could compete on a global stage.
As the platform celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, Soboh also detailed its strategic rebranding. Originally an acronym for “Exclusive Men of the Year,” the name has evolved to represent the broader mission: Evolve, Motivate, and Yield (EMY).
Despite facing significant hurdles, such as low local appreciation for the high costs of world-class production, Soboh credited his success to a “strong support system” and long-term relationships with technical partners who believe in his vision.
Under his leadership, EMY Africa has grown from a localized awards ceremony into a multi-faceted movement that includes a magazine, an expo, and international symposiums in cities like London and New York, all aimed at redefining the global perception of African achievement.
