Musician and songwriter Bensoul/MpashoEmerging musicians and other creative professionals in Nairobi are set to gain access to new funding, mentorship and industry opportunities as private-sector investment in the city’s creative economy expands.
Africa House has opened applications for the first edition of the Swift Academy, a talent development program targeting emerging artists, producers, songwriters and music industry professionals based in Nairobi.
The program will select 25 participants who will receive professional development support, mentorship, industry exposure, collaboration opportunities and a grant to help advance their creative work.
The initiative comes as Kenya’s creative sector increasingly provides opportunities for young people but continues to face challenges in accessing finance, professional networks and business skills needed to turn creative work into sustainable enterprises.
"Applications are now open for Swift Academy. The first edition of the pan-African talent development platform created by Martell and curated by Africa House," said the academy in a statement.
"It is open to emerging music creatives and professionals based in Nairobi, the programme will bring selected participants together for mentorship, practical development, industry access and collaboration."
Unlike traditional funding programs that focus primarily on established businesses, Swift Academy is targeting emerging talent and combining financial support with practical training and access to industry professionals.
Participants will be mentored by professionals drawn from different areas of the creative economy, including musician and songwriter Bensoul, filmmaker and creative director Michael Gachiri, music publicist and curator Anyiko Owoko, singer and producer Njerae, and music journalist and cultural commentator Joey Akan.
The programme will also feature practical workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at helping participants develop their careers and connect with potential collaborators.
After the initial programme, the selected creatives will have access to a creative hub for three weeks, where they can continue working on their projects and collaborate with other participants. The programme will end with a showcase of their work.
The financial support offered through the programme could provide an important boost to emerging creatives who often struggle to secure capital at the early stages of their careers.
However, the organisers have not disclosed the value of the grants that will be awarded to the 25 participants.
The programme is part of a broader push to strengthen links between business and Africa's creative industries, with private companies increasingly using talent development, cultural partnerships and creative platforms to engage with the sector.
For Nairobi, the initiative also highlights the city's growing role as a meeting point for African creatives, with participants expected to gain access to a network of peers and collaborators across four markets.
Applications are free and will remain open until August 28, 2026. All in-person activities will be held in Nairobi, with selected participants required to meet their own transport, accommodation and other local expenses.
The academy is being positioned not only as a training programme but also as a platform to help emerging creatives build commercially sustainable careers by combining funding with skills, networks and access to the wider music industry.
