Twenty-five emerging music creatives and industry professionals have completed a four-week mentorship programme in Nairobi aimed at strengthening their skills, industry connections and career prospects in the entertainments industry.
The inaugural Nairobi edition of Martell Swift Academy ended on October 10 with a showcase of live performances and creative collaborations, bringing together participants, mentors and figures from the local music industry.
Created by Martell and curated by Africa House, the pan-African initiative combined practical training, studio sessions, masterclasses and networking opportunities to help emerging talent navigate the music business.
Participants received mentorship from industry figures including singer-songwriter Bensoul, music executive Monica Kemoli, publicist Anyiko Owoko, singer and producer Njerae, and music journalist Joey Akan.
Martell, Head of Culture and Partnerships, Lanre Odutola says the programme aimed to give emerging creatives access to professional networks and skills that could have a lasting impact on their careers.
“Over the past four weeks, we have seen this cohort build confidence, strengthen their skills and develop meaningful connections with mentors and with one another,” says Odutola.
Africa House co-founder Jade Kelly Wilson says the showcase allowed participants from different parts of the music ecosystem to demonstrate their individual progress and the work they had developed together.
“The journey of this cohort has been incredibly rewarding to watch. They came into the programme with different ambitions and areas of expertise, and over the four weeks we have seen them learn from one another and challenge themselves,” says Wilson.
Although the in-person programme has ended, participants will continue to receive virtual check-ins and mentorship to help sustain the relationships and build on the skills developed during the course.
The Nairobi edition is the first stage of the academy’s wider African expansion, with Accra set to host the next edition as the programme extends its reach into other music markets across the continent.