RAC Law and EMPIRE Africa to host music summit in Nigeria

Named Play to Win: The Nigerian Global Music Business Playbook, the programme, slated for 6 to 8 July, seeks to arm participants with essential tools for both domestic and international success. The programme will include live auditions, panel discussions and roundtable sessions for musicians. 

The campaign’s recently held first phase featured live auditions, allowing undiscovered local acts to compete for an EP deal. 

Panel discussions will delve into areas such as contracts and the global rise of Nigerian music, with insight from industry experts including EMPIRE CEO Ghazi Shami and RAC Law founder Robert A Celestin. This year’s attendees will also receive direct insights from Kizz Daniel, Tiwa Savage and Fireboy DML, who will provide practical advice on navigating the music industry. 

Celestin said the initiative is a “fantastic opportunity to connect with Nigerian artists, producers, and label managers, providing them with the legal and business tools to succeed domestically and internationally.”

A statement adds that the move “seeks to democratise entertainment law expertise in West Africa, fostering a thriving musical ecosystem built on knowledge, empowerment, and equitable opportunity.”

Founded by American legal practitioner Robert A Celestin, RAC Law boasts over 25 years of experience, representing talents like Nigerian singer Bnxn and the estates of late US acts Pop Smoke and XXXTentacion.

EMPIRE, meanwhile, launched operations in Africa in 2022. Its roster includes Afrobeats stars like Ghana’s KiDi and Yaw Tog, and Nigeria’s Olamide, Fireboy DML, Tiwa Savage and Kizz Daniel.