Category: Artist Development Programs
Providing resources and information about programs that support the development and growth of emerging music artists.
Mali Spirit by Lagos in Paris Is the Afro-Electronic Anthem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Discovered on a Random Spotify Scroll, Now I Can’t Stop Playing “Mali Spirit” by Lagos In Paris It was a quiet night. I was deep into one of those spontaneous Spotify scrolls, chasing something unfiltered, something with soul. You know the feeling: half bored, half hopeful. Then bam, “Mali Spirit” came on. I froze. The…
SONY MUSIC WEST AFRICA SIGNEE AMARA RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “ME & YOU”
Rising Nigerian singer-songwriter Amara officially steps into the spotlight with his debut single “Me & You”, a genre-blending love anthem that introduces his heartfelt, soulful sound to the world. Signed to Sony Music West Africa, the 23-year-old artist (real name Nwaigwe Daniel Amarachukwu Figo) combines Afrobeats, R&B, and pop to create an emotionally rich soundscape…
Johnny Drille & Fireboy DML’s “Angelina” Is A Soul-Stirring Visual That Tugs At The Heartstrings
Johnny Drille and Fireboy DML have just unveiled the mesmerizing video for their hit track “Angelina,” and it’s everything we dreamed it would be: smooth, sweet, and enchanting. Released in March 2025, the track is a soulful masterpiece, where heartfelt lyrics dance with the warmth of gentle Afrobeats. Now, the accompanying video brings that same…
Afamefuna Is Reimagining Global Music Through East African Sounds
In the dynamic and ever-evolving pulse of East African music, where tradition and innovation seamlessly intertwine, one name is rising above the rest: Afamefuna. A multi-talented Kenyan-Nigerian executive producer, sound engineer, and A&R now based in Brooklyn, Afamefuna has swiftly captured the attention of the global music scene. With the release of his debut EP…
The 17th Annual Headies Awards Celebrate African Music’s Global Rise and Industry Milestone
Davido Named Artist of the Year and Digital Artist of the Year, Travis Scott Takes Home International Artist Award, and Tems Wins Best Recording at the 17th Annual Headies Awards. Relive the night’s unforgettable highlights and the stars who shone the brightest! On the evening of April 27, 2025, the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria…
Homecoming Festival 2025 —Lagos’ Premier Cultural Convergence
A fortnight ago, Lagos transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as the Homecoming Festival 2025 unfolded. An annual event, founded by Grace Ladoja MBE, has now become a cornerstone in celebrating African culture, bringing together music, fashion, art, and community in a dynamic showcase. Hosted across several landmark venues in Lagos, Homecoming 2025 united…
Apple Music Launches ‘The Sounds of Africa’ to Spotlight Five Music Capitals Across the Continent
Apple Music has unveiled its 2025 Africa Month campaign, “The Sounds of Africa” , a vibrant initiative spotlighting five of the continent’s most influential music capitals: Accra, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. This campaign features exclusive playlists curated by top artists, industry executives, tastemakers, and media personalities, each capturing the unique sonic essence…
Raging on a Sunday: Rock Riot – Easter Edition
As I write this, I’m still speechless—literally. I lost my voice singing my heart out at Rock Riot, a fast-rising yet still niche all-things-rock event held at 254 Beer District this past Easter Sunday. The music? Insane. The sound? On point. The crowd? Nothing short of electric. Not even the downpour outside could interrupt what…
Banké Is Harmonizing Hope, Heart & a New Era as NAYA Approaches
In this special edition of Custodian Conversations, we’re honored to journey through the blossoming path of Shalom Oluwabanke Adetumbi, known to many simply as Banké, a woman whose voice carries both the tenderness of a lullaby and the fire of a rising phoenix. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the glittering stages of the…
Sebuleni: Nairobi’s Living Room of Sound Returns for a New Season
As Sebuleni Collective launches a new season, Nairobi’s creative culture community prepares to gather once again in their favorite “living room” — an underground, intimate soiree where music, art, and culture connect. On a cool Friday evening in Nairobi’s Westlands, a gentle thump of bass beckons from behind the doors of 33 Woodvale Grove. Inside,…