because, as he put it, ‘without it, our culture’s narrative could be lost or mistold.’ Jonathan’s contributions have not gone unnoticed—he’s been honored as a Change Agent by all three major industry publications: Billboard, Variety, and Pollstar.

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Also, a two-time Billboard 40 Under 40 Power Player, Jonathan has also held influential roles as EVP of Operations and Business Development for Superfly Presents - founders of Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival and VP of Music Partnerships for CBS Radio - home to the world famous KROQ.  He’s played a pivotal role in the development of artists like Jon Batiste, Miguel, Destiney’s Child’s Michelle Williams, Cory Henry, Leon Thomas, Anita Baker, Emily King, Lecrae, and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Kool & The Gang. His expertise extends beyond artist development—through his consultancy work with Killian + Company, Jonathan has forged key partnerships with global brands like Ford and American Express, crafting music strategies featuring artist such as Eminem, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler the Creator. In the film and television space, Azu has co-production credits on NBC's global broadcast of Live From Detroit, the Concert at Michigan Central and Lifetime | A+E Network's original biopic movie, Keyshia Cole: This is My Story. 

 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jonathan is deeply committed to giving back. He serves as a Board Trustee of Drake University, his alma mater, an adjunct professor at USC, chair of City of Hope’s Music Film and Entertainment health inequities committee, a member of Black Music Action Coalition's Executive Council and is a Governor for the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy.