25 emerging music creatives selected for Nairobi Academy - details

A total number of 25 emerging music creatives and professionals have been selected for the Nairobi edition of Swift Academy, a pan-African talent development programme created by Martell and curated by Africa House.

The first cohort was introduced during an industry mixer in Nairobi attended by the selected participants, mentors and other figures from the country's music and creative industries.

The programme now moves into its first phase, with participants set to take part in mentor-led conversations, breakout mentorship sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and creative collaborations over the coming weeks.

Participants will also have access to industry resources including studio time, professional development support and community spaces as they work on developing their skills and careers.

The programme is scheduled to culminate in a showcase and progress presentations in October, where the 25 participants will have an opportunity to present what they have developed during the Academy.

The cohort will be guided by five mentors drawn from different areas of music, culture and the wider creative industry.

They are singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bensoul; music and culture executive Monica Kemoli; music publicist and curator Anyiko Owoko; singer, songwriter and producer Njerae; and music journalist and cultural commentator Joey Akan.

The first programme session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, when participants will hear from the mentors during a panel conversation focusing on their industry experiences, lessons learned and the practical realities of building sustainable careers across the music ecosystem.

Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships, Martell, said, “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.”

She adds that “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.”

For Africa House, the selection of the 25 participants follows what it described as a strong response from Nairobi's creative community.

On his part, Jade Kelly Wilson, Co-founder, Africa House, noted that “the quality and range of applications received showed how much ambition and talent already exists within Nairobi’s creative ecosystem.”

“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. We are excited to see what they build over the coming weeks, beginning with the mentor panel on Tuesday,” Wilson adds.

The programme will not end with the physical sessions.

Participants will continue receiving support through virtual check-ins and mentorship designed to help them apply what they learn, maintain relationships developed during the Academy and build on their progress after the in-person activation.

Through mentorship, practical development opportunities and continued engagement, the initiative is aimed at strengthening pathways for emerging creatives and professionals within Nairobi's wider music and creative ecosystem.