Nigeria: Mavin welcomes second cohort of Future Five programme

Mavin was established in 2012 by veteran producer Don Jazzy and delivers 360-degree label services as well as management, publishing, sync, production and strategic partnerships. It is home to Afrobeats stars like Rema, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe and Magixx.

The Future Five initiative was launched in 2021 in commemoration of the label’s ninth anniversary and is integral to the label’s vision, which is aimed to train and equip five aspiring industry leaders with expertise in digital, artist relations, public relations, promotions, and creative marketing through mentoring and internships.

The 2023 class is composed of Precious Kassie, Akinwunmi Popoola, Toyin Ajewole, Christabel Rapuluchukwu and Success Odugala. Two years ago, the programme’s debutants received mentorship from an array of big industry names including Asa Asika, Osi Suave, Efe Omoregbe, Temi Adeniji, Alexander ‘Andre Vibez’ Uwaifo, and Jade Busola, among others.

“I’m excited about the Mavin Future Five programme and the growth of the past beneficiaries,” Mavin founder and head Don Jazzy said. “I stay in touch with them after the programme and they’re doing brilliant things and continue to have a relationship with Mavin. We look to support more young people in the ecosystem who are resolute in their commitment to growing and advancing this industry.”

The label’s director of operations, Jennifer Imion, added: “This year, we had over double the number of applicants, which shows how much a programme like Mavin Future Five is needed in the industry here in Nigeria. We were looking at hundreds of applications and it wasn’t easy choosing the final five with such a volume of high-quality applications.

“Mavin aims to properly integrate each of our five exceptional candidates into the business and help them realise their full potential, as part of our ongoing commitment to championing next-generation talent. They are diamonds in the rough and all have the potential to be brilliant future leaders of this industry. We look forward to seeing what they’re capable of.”

Mavin Global chief operating officer Tega Oghenejobo noted: ‘‘One of our major criteria is passion and a willingness to learn. We are looking to equip future entrepreneurs and music business professionals with transferable knowledge that can help them forge a career path and secure the future of the music business. We are passionate about educating and training the incoming generation.

“Right now in Nigeria, you cannot go to college to learn the music business and there are few routes into the industry for young talent. This is the gap that we look to highlight and help solve in our way with the Mavin Future Five programme.”