The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has acquired an equity stake in CREAM, an artificial intelligence-powered platform founded by Nigerian musician and entrepreneur D’banj, in a deal aimed at expanding financing and commercial opportunities for African creators. The investment was made through CANEX Creations Incorporated, the bank’s creative-industry investment vehicle.

CREAM, short for Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts and Music, is owned by D’Kings Men Media Ltd. It connects artists with fans, rewards superfan engagement and offers tools for talent discovery and content monetisation, with a direct-to-consumer model designed to help creators earn from their intellectual property.

The deal follows a term sheet signed in Abuja in June 2025 and was formalised on Nov. 6, 2026, at CANEX WKND in Lagos. The signing ceremony took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre.

Afreximbank’s creative push

Afreximbank created CANEX Creations to invest in, develop and commercialise African intellectual property. The bank says it has committed about $2 billion to the continent’s creative and cultural industries, with equity investments accounting for a growing share of its support across the continent.

The 2026 edition of CANEX WKND drew a record 17,000 registered participants. Afreximbank is seeking at least $1 billion in capital commitments for Africa’s creative sector, as it looks to build financing and distribution channels that can help local content reach larger markets.

CREAM launched in 2016 with support from MTN Nigeria and the Bank of Industry. It has since attracted more than seven million subscribers through its USSD code, *463#, website and mobile application, according to the company, giving it a sizeable base for direct creator-to-fan transactions.

Building revenue for creators

The platform has monetised more than 3,000 works spanning music, comedy, dance and art. It has generated revenue through telecom billing, caller ringback tunes, content distribution and direct sales, while providing grants, free studio sessions, music videos and showcase opportunities to 16,668 creatives.

“Content is the new crude,” D’banj said, arguing that the investment would give African creators wider access to capital while helping them retain ownership of their intellectual property. He said the agreement would help African creativity generate capital and compete in international markets.

At the event, CREAM introduced its Full Content Download service, which allows users to buy music, videos and other creative works outright through its USSD platform or website. The service is intended to give artists another revenue stream beyond conventional streaming subscriptions and advertising.

CREAM expands music deals

Through a partnership with Los Angeles-based Cinq Music Group, the service will also bring international music to Nigerian consumers, starting with T.I.’s “Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna. Cinq Music Group will also sign and develop 10 artists identified through CREAM’s talent-discovery platform.

Osahon Akpata, CEO of CANEX Creations, said the investment was intended to accelerate CREAM’s expansion, connect more African talent with audiences and increase the commercial value generated by creative work. CANEX Creations is a subsidiary of Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa.

D’banj’s expanding business interests

D’banj, whose real name is Dapo Oyebanjo, built his reputation as a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur before expanding into business ventures. He founded CREAM through D’Kings Men Media in 2016, after previously co-founding Mo’ Hits Records with producer Don Jazzy and later establishing DB Records.

His ventures have also extended into agribusiness, including the Koko Garri cassava-processing venture in Sagamu, Ogun state, as well as technology and automotive initiatives.

Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution focused on financing and promoting trade within Africa and between the continent and global markets. At December 2025, it reported more than $48.5 billion in total assets and contingencies and $8.4 billion in shareholder funds.