Nigerian songwriter and singer, Mr Eazi is investing in the next generation of African talent through emPawa Africa.
This is a talent incubator program that provides emerging artists with the tools, startup funding and mentorship to become artist-entrepreneurs.
Following a successful launch earlier this year, emPawa Africa’s accelerator program reopens to entries on Friday, Aug. 15.
30 African artists will be selected to receive a non-repayable grant to fund their first pro-quality music video. They will also have mentorship, marketing services and other support to launch their international recording career.
To be considered, entrants are asked to upload a 1 minute video to Instagram of themselves performing an original song, cover or freestyle, with the hashtag #emPawa30.
The program will close to submissions on Sept. 15, after which each entry will each be evaluated by Mr Eazi and his music-industry colleagues. The new cohort of 30 artists will be announced on Sept. 30. Once selected, each #emPawa30 artist will be assigned an individual mentor and video director, with whom they will work directly throughout the seven-month mentorship program.
Four artists will receive additional funding to cover management, marketing and legal fees throughout 2020, as well as to record new music and create additional videos.