As is commonly the case with these behind the scenes, Ethiopia Habtemariam shouldn’t be a reputation many are acquainted with. Nonetheless, the 44-year-old has been actively working within the music trade since she was an adolescent within the ‘90s. Through the years, she rose by means of the ranks and got here to command a lot respect and admiration, ultimately changing into the CEO of the famend Motown Data.
Nonetheless, Habtemariam’s identify is now linked to Diddy’s notorious case. Because the music mogul stays underneath investigation following the wave of allegations made in opposition to him by Rodney Jones, it’s anybody’s guess how the previous Motown CEO is concerned. Nonetheless, in an amended grievance filed to the courtroom, Ethiopia Habtemariam reportedly agreed to testify in Jones’ lawsuit about Diddy’s The Love Album: Off The Grid. Courtroom paperwork reveal that Habtemariam entered an settlement with Jones to “dismiss all claims” in opposition to the Motown CEO within the go well with “with out prejudice,” NBC studies. Whereas we anticipate the story to unfold, right here’s what we find out about Ethiopia Habtemariam.
Learn Extra: Diddy’s $30 Million Lawsuit: Breaking Down Rodney Jones’s Accusations
Background And Begin In The Music Business
Chamillionaire, Ethiopia Habtemariam and Nick Cannon (Photograph by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Born on September 24, 1979, Ethiopia Habtemariam is an Ethiopian-American businesswoman and music govt. She was born in Berkeley, California, the place she spent her early years and developed an curiosity in pursuing a profession within the music trade. Not one to let her desires die, she determined to behave upon this need, and really early too.
On the age of 14 in 1994, Habtemariam bagged a coveted internship on the famend LaFace Data. That marked the start of her illustrious profession within the music trade. Whereas interning at LaFace, then-16-year-old Habtemariam wrote a letter to Sylvia Rhone who was the CEO of Elektra Data on the time. Within the letter, the aspiring music govt expressed her awe and admiration for Rhone, a Black girl in such a robust place. A number of years down the road, Ethiopia Habtemariam would come to realize an analogous feat herself.
The Rise Of Ethiopia Habtemariam
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 01: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Ethiopia Habtemariam attend 2nd Annual The Black Ball High quality Management’s CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas Birthday Celebration at Fox Theater on June 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photograph by Prince Williams/WireImage)
By the top of her four-year internship at LaFace Data, Habtemariam had gained appreciable data and expertise. Quickly after, she started working with Common Music Group. In subsequent years, she grew and maintained a gentle upward trajectory. Ultimately, in 2011, Motown Data employed and named Ethiopia Habtemariam as its Senior Vice President. In 2014, she was promoted to President of Motown Data, earlier than topping all of it off with a promotion to CEO in 2021.
On November 29, 2022, nonetheless, she introduced that she can be leaving Motown Data after serving as President for eight years. For her impression and plain contributions, Habtemariam made it into Billboard’s 30 Below 30, and 40 Below 40 lists. Moreover, in 2023, she made it into the publication’s Energy 100 checklist as nicely. Earlier than leaving Motown Data, she helped convey Diddy onto the label for a one-album deal, which she’s keen to testify about in Lil Rod’s lawsuit.
Learn Extra: YoungBoy By no means Broke Once more Units Himself Up For Life With Motown Partnership
Impression And Affect On The Music Business
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Ethiopia Habtemariam attends “Untrapped: The Story of Lil Child” Atlanta Premiere at Regal Atlantic Station on August 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photograph by Terence Rushin/Getty Photographs)
Over the course of her profession, the impression of Ethiopia Habtemariam has reverberated throughout artists, genres, and labels. She has labored with many notable artists, together with Ne-Yo, Stevie Marvel, and BJ the Chicago Child, amongst many others. Certainly one of her most important contributions to the trade is her unwavering dedication to range and inclusion. Altogether, Habtemariam has been identified to embody the spirit of excellence and empowerment. For years, many have regarded her as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring executives and changemakers alike.
Supply hyperlink