Ghazi Shami

Ghazi Shami is the founder and CEO of EMPIRE, an independent music distribution company based in San Francisco. Founded in 2010, EMPIRE has grown into a significant player in the music industry, offering services in distribution, record label operations, and music publishing. The company has offices in New York, London, Lagos, and Johannesburg, and recording studios in San Francisco and New York. EMPIRE has released music across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, Latin, reggae, pop, rock, gospel, and country. Under Shami's leadership, EMPIRE has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of several prominent artists, such as Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, DRAM, and Anderson .Paak. The company's approach emphasizes artist autonomy and transparency, providing non-exclusive deals and transparent royalty statements. This model has attracted a diverse roster of artists and has been instrumental in the company's rapid growth and success. Shami's background in music and technology has been a driving force behind EMPIRE's innovative approach to the music industry. Before founding EMPIRE, he worked at INgrooves Music Group, where he gained experience in digital distribution and artist relations. His vision for EMPIRE was to bridge the gap between independent freedom and major-label reach, offering artists a platform that combines the best of both worlds. This vision has been realized through EMPIRE's expansion into various music genres and international markets, solidifying its position as a leading independent music company.