Category: Artist Development Programs
Providing resources and information about programs that support the development and growth of emerging music artists.
Afrobeats in 2025: Songs Defining the Year So Far
Afrobeats is dancing in daring directions this year, fluid, fearless, and full of fire. The genre, a proud pulse of African creativity, continues to expand its orbit, and the top trending Afrobeats songs of 2025 are proof of its undeniable magnetism and evolving genius. In recent years, the culture has wrestled with internal discourse, questions…
How Oontztopia Is Shaping Kenyan Culture One Event at a Time
Oontztopia is an event collective worth emulating—not only for their genre-defining music curation, but also for their approach to building a loyal and inclusive community. Prioritizing safety, fairness, and unforgettable experiences, their events go beyond dance—they are spaces for connection. Having attended personally, I can attest to their high standards, including limited-ticket giveaways they run…
Inside the Soul of Xowié: South Africa’s Daring New Voice With a Global Rhythm
When rising South African soulstar Xowié touched down in Kenya for a string of intimate songwriting and collaboration camps and media tour, we knew we had to catch her in motion. Luckily, between studio sessions and soulful exchanges, we carved out time for an inspiring conversation that allowed us to uncover the heart of her…
Meet Florence Dei: Inside Efe Oraka ’s Reinvention and Creative Journey
Long before the spotlight found her, Efe Oraka was already quietly shaping her sound, releasing music in her teens, and crafting songs that carried an intimate kind of magic. Though many were first drawn in by her viral cover performances, her journey had long begun, rooted in a deep love for music and storytelling. Now,…
Jeff Akoh Talks Love, Music, and His Journey Through Grace and Grit
In this heartfelt edition of Custodian Conversations, we journey through melodies, memories, and moments with none other than Jeffrey Ufedo Akoh, fondly known as Jeff Akoh, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performing sensation whose voice feels like home. From singing in the warmth of family gatherings to echoing through church pews, Jeff’s beginnings were filled…
How the African Music Industry Can Drive Creative Climate Action and Sustainable Innovation
The African music industry has long been a powerful force for social change, with artists using their platforms to address pressing issues. In recent years, climate action has emerged as a central theme in the creative expressions of many musicians. From the revolutionary sounds of Fela Kuti to the contemporary advocacy of artists like Cill…
XOWIÉ AND BENSOUL BRIDGE CONTINENTS WITH NEW SINGLE “BITTERSWEET”.
JOHANNESBURG, SA – Rising South African star Xowié releases her debutEP ALLO today, featuring her new single, “Bittersweet” featuring Kenya’s afro-soulpowerhouse, Bensoul. The track arrives on the momentum of her first single, Nobody’sFool, and as Bensoul rides high on his latest hit Kautamu Fulani, which isdominatingEast African charts. Bittersweet showcases the synergy between their voices while they trade verses aboutlove’s painful contradictions….
Everything You Need to Know About Hey Neighbour Festival 2025 in Pretoria
The wait is finally over! Hey Neighbour Festival is back for its much-anticipated second season, lighting up the stunning Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria from 29 to 31 August 2025. After an unforgettable debut in 2023 that captivated over 60,000 music lovers, this vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community is ready to deliver even…
Temi Adeniji Makes Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players List
Temi Adeniji, Managing Director of Warner Music Africa (WMA), has once again earned a spot on Billboard’s prestigious Global Power Players list for 2025, marking her second consecutive year in the spotlight. This recognition underscores another year of dynamic leadership and cultural influence, as Adeniji continues to drive Warner Music’s strategic expansion and impact across…
TikTok and SoundCloud Team Up to Improve Music Discovery Experience
TikTok and SoundCloud have announced a strategic new partnership that brings SoundCloud integration to TikTok’s expanding Add to Music App feature. This collaboration is designed to enhance the user experience by allowing music lovers to seamlessly save songs they discover on TikTok directly to their SoundCloud libraries, bridging the gap between discovery and streaming like…