AfroFuture announces Rising DJ and Producer Challenge finalists

Now in its second year, the contest, held in partnership with Believe-owned digital music distribution company TuneCore, aims to spotlight emerging DJs and beatmakers around the world. 

The initiative, among activities designed around this year’s AfroFuture festival in Accra on 28 and 29 December, forms part of AfroFuture’s music programme dedicated to supporting aspiring talent. 

This year’s Rising DJ/Producer Champion will be announced on 13 December. The winning DJ/producer will receive airfare to Accra, Ghana, a performance opportunity at TuneCore’s AfroFuture Mixer, and a slot on the TuneCore Stage during AfroFuture. Additionally, instrument maker Native Instruments and Splice will reward the 2023 champion with a prize package including a Kontrol S61 Keyboard, a Komplete 14 Collector’s Edition, a Traktor X1 DJ Controller and a one-year free Splice’s Creator subscription.

Last year, Ghanaian-American selector Ethan Tomas was named the winner of the competition, besting fellow finalists DJ Damifresh (Nigeria) and DJ Wendy Rose (DRC).

This year, Nigerian artist Davido, Ghana’s Black Sherif and British-Gambian rapper J Hus have been confirmed as headliners for the festival, which is expected to draw more than 30 000 patrons.

“AfroFuture has always been more than just a festival; it’s a full-circle celebration of everything African: our culture, our people, our talents, and serves as a platform for us to appreciate and acknowledge the larger contributions we make in the world,” AfroFuture CEO and co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah said.