Nairobi’s next generation of music talent now has some of the industry’s biggest names in its corner.
Twenty-five emerging artists, producers, songwriters and music professionals have been unveiled as the first cohort of the Nairobi edition of Swift Academy, a pan-African talent development platform created by Martell and curated by Africa House.
The cohort was officially introduced during an industry mixer in Nairobi that brought together the selected creatives, industry mentors and key players from the country’s music and creative scene.
And with some of the industry’s experienced names now in the room, the Academy is set to give the participants a closer look at what it really takes to build a sustainable career in music.
Meet the mentors
The 25 participants will spend the coming weeks learning, networking and collaborating through a series of mentor-led conversations, workshops and breakout mentorship sessions.
They will also have access to resources including studio time, professional development support and community spaces.
Leading the mentorship programme are Bensoul, Monica Kemoli, Anyiko Owoko, Njerae and Joey Akan, each bringing a different perspective from the music and cultural industries.
Bensoul comes in as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, while Monica Kemoli brings her experience as a music and culture executive.
Music publicist and curator Anyiko Owoko will also share her industry experience, alongside singer, songwriter and producer Njerae.
Rounding out the mentor lineup is music journalist and cultural commentator Joey Akan.
The first official programme session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, when the participants will sit down with the mentors for a panel conversation.
The session will focus on the mentors’ experiences, lessons learned along the way and the practical realities of building lasting careers in the music industry.
Martell: It's about access
According to Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell, Swift Academy was created to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the people, knowledge and opportunities that can help them grow.
“Swift Academy was created to give emerging creatives and professionals access to the people, knowledge and opportunities that can help them grow with greater confidence and direction.”
Odutola added that the programme is also about encouraging collaboration and giving participants practical support that can continue to benefit them after the Academy ends.
“Our goal is to create meaningful access, encourage collaboration and give participants the practical support to strengthen their skills and build relationships that can continue beyond the programme.”
Africa House backs Nairobi's creative talent
For Africa House, the 25 creatives selected for the first cohort are a reflection of the talent and ambition already present within Nairobi's creative ecosystem.
Jade Kelly Wilson, Co-founder of Africa House, said the applications received demonstrated the depth of talent across the city.
“The quality and range of applications received showed how much ambition and talent already exists within Nairobi’s creative ecosystem.”
Wilson said the Academy gives the selected participants an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners while building relationships and exchanging ideas with fellow creatives.
“What these 25 participants now have is an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, exchange ideas with one another and gain access to relationships and resources that can help them take the next step in their development.”
More than just a few weeks
Swift Academy will not end when the physical sessions wrap up.
Participants will continue receiving support through virtual check-ins and mentorship, giving them an opportunity to apply what they learn and maintain the relationships built during the programme.
The Academy will culminate in a showcase and progress presentations in October, where participants will have an opportunity to present what they have developed throughout the programme.
For Nairobi’s emerging music professionals, the Academy offers more than just workshops.
It creates a space where young creatives can meet industry veterans, sharpen their skills, collaborate with peers and potentially build relationships that extend well beyond the programme.
With 25 creatives now officially on board and five industry mentors ready to share their experience, all eyes will be on what this first Nairobi cohort builds between now and the October showcase.
