Mr Eazi to give 30 African artists $10 000 each

The 2020 edition of the incubator, which will run under #emPowa30, will give 30 emerging African artists $10 000 start-up funding.

The programme, which was launched in 2018, aims to provide emerging artists with knowledge, investment and mentorship to grow and export their music in Africa and beyond.

In its first edition, the programme provided grants to 100 artists from 11 African countries including Joeboy, Lady Donli and Karun to help launch their careers.

The musicians will receive the non-repayable grant for filming their first professional music video as well as marketing services and other developmental support to launch their international careers.

“EmPawa is an initiative I created with one simple mission: helping new artists reach their full potential musically by equipping them with the knowledge and funding to do so,” Mr Eazi said last year. “It’s something I wish someone had created when I first started making music. Sometimes, all it takes is that one person to believe in you.”

The participants will be assigned an individual mentor and a video director, with whom they will work directly during the seven-month programme.

Some of the mentors include musicians, producers and industry professionals such as Mr Eazi, DJ Maphorisa, Diplo, Jae5, Fred Gibson, Shekhinah, Harmonize, E Kelly, Guiltybeatz, Killertunes and DJ Neptune, among others.

In addition, the 10 artists who show the most potential will be sent for a three-week masterclass in Ghana in June, where the candidates will receive business, songwriting, marketing and production training while working in a recording studio.

From the group of 10 musicians, the top two will get additional funding to cover marketing, management and legal fees throughout 2020. A grant will also be given to create additional music and videos.

The emPawa 30:

Bemisoul (US/Nigeria)
Bosom P Yung (Ghana)
C Natty (Nigeria)
Camidoh (Ghana)
Camo Blaizz (Nigeria)
Donel (UK/Zimbabwe)
DonFreezy (Nigeria)
Dopeprince (Nigeria)
Exposuremuzik (Ghana)
Fresh Prince (Nigeria)
GoodGirl LA (Nigeria)
Grace Idowu (Nigeria)
James Garlimah (Canada/Liberia)
July 7 (UK/Nigeria)
Kamo Mphela (South Africa)
Macjreyz (Nigeria)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Mizzle (Nigeria)
Namenj (Nigeria)
Oiza & Meyi (Nigeria)
Sishii (South Africa)
Solana (Nigeria)
Tomiwa Dudobo (Nigeria)
TU2 (Nigeria)
Xenia Manasseh (Kenya)
Yung Meagan (Cameroon)
Yusuf Kanbai (Nigeria)
Zaman (Nigeria)
Zarion Uti (US/Nigeria)