Tolu Ogunleye, professionally known as Drtonez, is a globally recognized Music Executive and Cultural Architect with active  20 years of creative practice and 10+ years of executive leadership. His career spans music business, cultural innovation, and organizational strategy, building transformative systems that unlock creative potential at scale.

EXECUTIVE ROLE MENTION 

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Hillcross Records (since 2023), where he has expanded the label into international markets, driving exponential growth in streaming reach and re-imagining artist development and creative entrepreneurship for a global audience.

Alongside this role, Drtonez serves as Lead Business Process Consultant at WavyClick Group, a leading music and entertainment company. His contributions have streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and enabled WavyClick’s expansion into multiple territories.

As the Founder of Amplify, he leads a strategic innovation platform that empowers African creatives through digital transformation, systems design, and scalable business models.

He also serves as Executive Director and Board Chair of Scholarly Art, advancing research, policy, and cultural practice while positioning African intellectualism at the core of contemporary creative development.

CULTURAL PROGRAMS 

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, 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.

DRTONEZ AS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

Drtonez wrote “Psychologies of Art Consumption: Why We See, Feel, and Buy Art”, a work exploring the intersections of art, psychology, and cultural economics—further cementing his role as both a practitioner and intellectual voice in the creative economy.

DRTONEZ AS A FOUNDER 

Through Amplify, he has successfully convened four editions of the Emerging Music & Entertainment Executive Breakfast Meeting, a flagship platform fostering networking, experience-sharing, and industry insight exchange for emerging executives.

Drtonez, describes himself as a “Nomadic Music Executive, Cultural Architect” a proud Arts Administrator, Creative Industry Strategist, and Published Author.

Drtonez has been featured in globally recognized media publications and praised for exceptional leadership in Arts, Entertainement, cultural architechture and Strategy.

A trained Musicologist, Music economist, Music Business executive and Digital  Art culture expert

In 2023, he became a member of the ForbesBLK community.

Education

Tolu Ogunleye has a  Masters of Art in Music Specializing in  Music Economy, Management & Digital Culture where he graduated with a (Distinction) from Lagos State University

Bachelors of Art in Music , Specializing in Music Business, Management & Administration (Second Class Upper) From Lagos State University

Professional Development & Certifications

• Music Business Foundation – Berklee College of Music
• Today’s Music Industry – West Virginia University
• Music as Metaphor
• Creative Entrepreneurship – Berklee College of Music
• International Sport & Entertainment Marketing – Coursera
• Leading Change Through Policymaking – British Council
• Innovation & International Marketing – Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Business Process & People Management – Great Learning
• Project Management Foundations – Google
• Innovation & International Marketing – Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Strategic & Brand Management – Great Learning
• Conflict Resolution & Risk Management – UC Irvine
• Leading Change Through Policymaking – British Council

Additional Training: Professional diplomas in Project Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, and Media Studies (Allison).

Completed advanced Project Management & Consulting Simulations with PwC, BCG, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, and Mastercard (2024–2025