Nigerian star Mr Eazi confirmed for ACCES 2018 in Kenya

The pop act shot to fame with the release of a series of singles, including "Skintight" and "Hollup" in 2016, enjoying airplay with the laidback sound he calls 'banku music'.

At ACCES, Mr Eazi will provide unique insights into the nature of musical collaborations on the continent and beyond. This topic is exemplified by the Nigerian artist's career, whose discography is notable both for its many hits, as well as its many collaborations. Some of Mr Eazi's past collaborators include Juls, E Kelly, Giggs, Eugy, Shekhinah, Efya and Eazzy.

Born Oluwatosin Ajibade, Mr Eazi studied mechanical engineering and business management in Kumasi, Ghana. While still in school, the young Ajibade organised various concerts and later decided to start making his own music.

As a recording artist, Mr Eazi first found success in London. “It was after the first wave of shows in the UK when everyone back home was like, ‘You're popping'!" he told Red Bull magazine. "All of a sudden, Nigeria and the rest of Africa caught up: ‘Who’s this guy we don’t know, playing all these shows?’ Because of that, London is sentimental to me.”

Mr Eazi has since worked with major names in the Nigerian and Ghanaian pop scenes, including Wizkid and R2Bees. He has also worked with diverse artists in terms of genre and geography, like the rapper Slimcase and Major Lazer (a US-based dance music trio).

His first EP, Life Is Eazi Vol 1: Accra to Lagos, was released in 2016. He has indicated that a sequel, titled Life Is Eazi Vol 2: Lagos to London, will be released this year, recently announcing the album's tracklist. Ahead of the launch of the album, Mr Eazi has released several singles, including "London Town", "Overload", "Property" and "Ogede".

Mr Eazi's ACCES 2018 panel session will take place on 17 November, and is targeted at music professionals contemplating the creative and business aspects of musical collaborations.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African event for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe.

ACCES is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit and pan-African organisation, in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, Alliance Francaise, Kenya’s Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC), MagicalKenya and the Kenya Cultural Centre.

For more information, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit the ACCES website or download the ACCES 2018 brochure here.