News about creative debutants, emerging creatives, entertainment technology, news highlights stories from around the world focused on new creatives and emerging independent creatives. News on releases, arts, music, modeling, fashion, video production and all round entertainment news.
Rara Avis Entertainment is proud to announce the formal induction of Stephen Camilleri as a member of the Rara Avis Advisory Board, alongside our official strategic partnership with GEM (Global Entrepreneurs Magazine) / Flux Global.
Stephen Camilleri is a distinguished international leader serving as a Senator of the European Economic Senate, Chairman of GEM Media Worldwide, and Board Member of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival. With extensive experience in global enterprise, media syndication, and international network building, Stephen brings macro-level strategic guidance and global perspective to help scale Rara Avis incubators, international collaboration and expansion initiatives.
This partnership establishes a vital bridge between the African creative ecosystem and the global entrepreneurial diaspora. By connecting Rara Avis‘s business-backed creative infrastructure with GEM‘s international network, we are unlocking direct channels for global diaspora mentorship, international media visibility, and structured cross-border opportunities for independent talent. Rara Avis Founder and Creative Director Amanda Chioma David (‘Ermandha‘) is a member of GEM, further solidifying the strong collaborative ties between both organizations.
Under this partnership, international members of the GEM network will serve as temporary and rotational jury members for the Rara Avis Debut Award (RADA). Additionally, Rara Avis will leverage the extensive network and expertise of GEM‘s international members for masterclasses, workshops, seminars, and training programs, ensuring that incubator cohorts gain diverse global perspectives and industry insights.
As we kick off this exciting new chapter, we look forward to building a sustainable, globally competitive future for our multihyphenate creatives.
Walking down the Royal Mile in August is a sensory assault unlike anywhere else on earth. The flyering is relentless, the smell of damp stone mixes with fried street food, and every basement, church hall, and pop-up tent is packed tight with artists gambling everything on a sixty-minute slot.
Out of the hundreds of productions currently carving up the Scottish capital, our current editorial spotlight is zeroing in on a select group of sharp, fearless pieces making genuine noise this season. This isn’t the whole Fringe, nobody can claim to see it all, but these are the curated shows driving our conversations right now.
The Highlights on Our Radar
An A to Z Guide to Dating (Grace O’Keefe / Underbelly Buttercup) Grace O’Keefe has taken an unhinged 1980s dating manual written by her own mother, a book once panned for setting feminism back decades, and turned it into a weaponized, wildly funny musical comedy. It’s smart, it’s self-aware, and it brilliantly skewers the performance of modern romance.
Copycat (Worklight Theatre / Pleasance Jack Dome)Fringe First winner Joe Sellman-Leava returns with a sharp, high-concept piece. Using innovative design and a whirlwind of impressions, Copycat explores the unsettling convergence of AI, rapid technological change, art, and the rise of authoritarianism through the lens of a teacher, student, and dictator.
Dracula: Lucy’s Dream (Plexus Polaire / Pleasance at EICC) If you want atmosphere, this is where you head. Shifting the gothic lens entirely onto Lucy, this piece uses life-sized puppetry and dark physical theatre to wade deep into the sensual, psychological undercurrents of Stoker’s text. It’s visually lush and delightfully unsettling.
Big Stuff (Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus / Assembly Roxy) A masterclass in blending spontaneous improv with razor-sharp storytelling. It’s a show that dives headfirst into grief and the strange, lingering weight of the objects left behind after someone passes, inviting the room into something genuinely affecting.
Concerts of the Future (SensiLab / Summerhall)A boundary-pushing, immersive virtual reality experience that completely upends traditional concert hall barriers. Participants step right onto the stage alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 using futuristic “AirSticks”, requiring no prior musical experience whatsoever.
Father, Away She Goes (Electra Kolb / Zoo Playground) An absolute powerhouse of a tragicomedy. Kolb tracks a compulsive, fiercely ambitious art school hopeful whose lack of moral guardrails makes for deeply uncomfortable, magnetic viewing. It asks difficult questions about how society treats young women who refuse to play nice.
Furniture Boys (Emily Weitzman / Underbelly Jersey) Coming off a sold-out run at Off-Broadway’s SoHo Playhouse, Weitzman’s solo piece uses clowning, spoken word, and domestic absurdity (turning ex-boyfriends into literal furniture) to explore impermanence with surprising emotional heft.
Giraffe (Abigail Weinstock / Pleasance Courtyard)A sparkling, semi-autobiographical solo comedy that handles masking, neurodivergence, and the chaos of receiving a restraining order after being caught making clandestine recordings. It is a touching, deeply funny look at what it means to feel like a misfit trying to decode human communication.
Friendliest (Drew Lausch / Gilded Balloon Teviot) A dark, funny, and quietly devastating look at growing up queer in Fargo, North Dakota, where the creator invented a hometown superhero just to survive the isolation of small-town adolescence.
And that’s before even diving into the kinetic circus dynamics of Ockham’s Razor in Collaborator at the Pleasance, or the tightly coiled tension humming through the rest of the current dossier.
For any critics or culture writers looking to catch these specific runs or line up interviews while the chaos of August is still in full swing, press coordination is locked in with Chloe Nelkin Consulting (edinburgh@chloenelkinconsulting.com).
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The entertainment landscape of the Magboro/Sparklight axis is set for a historic transformation on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Cupid Concert with Skripture: Love Reborn takes center stage at the Top Crown Event Center.
Organized by Refined Brave and Renovative Entertainment—the umbrella company for all of Skripture’s ventures—and produced by Rara Avis Entertainment, the event offers a sophisticated fusion of music, comedy, and cinema.
The evening is driven by the vision of multi-talented artist and entrepreneur Skripture, who serves as the primary catalyst for this production. In addition to headlining with a live set of romantic orchestrations, Skripture will host an exclusive movie premiere from Skriptv, his premier production house. The headline billing features the powerhouse trio of Skripture, Woli Agba, and Kemz Mama, balancing soulful musical performances with world-class humor.
The proceedings will be guided by a distinguished hosting duo: renowned sportscaster Victor Godfrey (Vsix) and multifaceted TV presenter Ermandha.
The stage will feature elite talents from the Rara Avis Entertainment database, including Soundboy FA, the voice behind the global anthem “Quality Time,” and Trace Naija Search Finalist Blinkz. The musical lineup is further bolstered by Mature Mind, King Papi, Obidi, and Xtee. Adding to the comedic showcase are heavyweights E Don Do and Alincology, alongside guest appearances by Nollywood stars.
The experience begins at 4:00 PM with a Grand Red Carpet featuring the Cupid Photo Wall. For guests seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Royal Love Reborn Package—limited to ten couples—offers private plush seating, personal trumpet serenades at their seats, and custom LED Love Story tributes.
Comprehensive media coverage for the event will be provided by Anddykin, founder of Mayview TV, ensuring high-production documentation of the night.
Produced by Rara Avis Entertainment under the leadership of Ermandha, the event bridges the gap between prestige and accessibility.
“We are merging a concert, a movie premiere, and high-tier comedy to offer a sanctuary for love,” says Henry Onoja, Project and Event Manager. “By bringing this standard of production to the Magboro, we are eliminating the stress of the city for our guests.”
For those seeking an extended getaway, a Love Reborn Retreat Bundle is available, offering a luxury overnight stay at partner estate retreats and a private breakfast the following morning.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Venue: Top Crown Event Center, Magboro/Sparklight Axis
Red Carpet: 4:00 PM | Main Event: 5:00 PM
Tickets: General Admission (₦5k), Couple (₦15k), VIP (₦20k), VVIP (₦50k), Table for Six (₦100k), and the Royal Love Reborn Package.
Contact for Bookings/Proposals: +2349066160916, +2348020885674, or +2349053001667.
INDIEVERSE: Independent Artists in a New World – featuring Celebrity Illbliss, Barr. JDV, Khomeini Bukhari, Timi Dawodu, Barr. Janet Odunoye, Oba Lurge organized by Rara Avis
Rara Avis Entertainment is proud to announce INDIEVERSE: Independent Artists in a New World, an exclusive event designed to empower independent artists with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the modern music industry. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at the CEP Creative Hub (CCHub), 8 General Ogomudia Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Hosted by Ermandha, Creative Director of Rara Avis Entertainment, INDIEVERSE brings together a powerhouse lineup of speakers, a celebrity guest, and emerging talents to discuss critical topics shaping the future of music. The event will feature a special appearance by legendary rapper and entrepreneur, Illbliss. Attendees will also hear from a distinguished panel of industry experts, including:
Barrister JDV, from Waverly Music (South Africa)
Timi Dawodu, CEO, Genius Creative Brands | Gemumo
Barrister Janet Odunoye, Licensing and Publishing Administrator, The Plug Entertainment
Khomeini Bukhari, Director of the African Division, Peel Aston Global
Oba Lurge, artist, founder of Equip Your Studio, and the first African rapper with a distribution deal with Roc Nation
In addition to the insightful discussions, the event will shine a spotlight on two promising emerging artists. Mykel Rapsy, a musician and author, will discuss his recently published book, “Gifted or Cursed?,” which delves into the challenges faced by creatives. Music artist Soundboy FA will share his growth strategies, including the viral success of his song “Quality Time,” which is currently gaining significant traction and becoming a TikTok trend in Europe and America.
Ermandha, Creative Director, Rara Avis Entertainment
“INDIEVERSE is more than just a conference; it’s a call to action for every independent artist looking to build a sustainable career,” said Ermandha. “We’ve gathered some of the most influential minds in the industry to provide practical, real-world advice on everything from distribution and publishing to personal branding and creative strategy. This event will be a game-changer for anyone serious about their craft.”
Rara Avis Entertainment is a dynamic creative company dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting unique talent. It focuses on multihyphenate debutant and emerging creatives.The company specializes in creative career strategy and management, creative showcase, content production, and creative consulting, with a mission to help artists build lasting legacies in the global entertainment landscape.
About Barr. Joseph Damola Victor [JDV]
With over seven years of specialized legal experience, Damola Joseph has established himself as in-demand entertainment lawyer, competently representing artists, producers, record labels, and music distribution companies. Damola, being a skilled negotiator has structured and closed deals worth over $1,000,000.Damola’s comprehensive understanding of the music industry’s multifaceted ecosystem, from intellectual property and publishing to digital distribution and recording business allows him offer useful legal counsel to creatives. His expertise spans contract negotiations, royalty disputes, licensing agreements, and label deals, with a proven track record of securing favorable terms for clients in negotiations with major industry players like Def Jam, Warner Music, and Sony Music. Damola has achieved the following milestone in his career as a music lawyer:Recovered 100% catalog rights for a 3x SAMA-winning artist after a 2-year legal dispute with a major distributor. Terminated exploitative contracts for more than 10 artists, liberating them from unfair major and indie label deals. Successfully resolved persistent YouTube copyright takedowns, overturning false claims prompted by a major distro. Damola also acts as Head of Legal at Waverly Musik, (a South African based music distribution company), and has led legal operations that resulted in 100% out-of-court dispute resolutions, with zero litigation exposure. To further cement his place in the music space, Damola began his journey as a music producer during his university days. That hands-on experience gave him a unique perspective on the creative process and deepened passion for protecting the people behind the music. Damola understands both the art and the business.
About Barr. Janet Odunoye
As the Licensing and Publishing Administrator at The Plug Entertainment, Barr. Janet Odunoye is a key figure in managing the legal and administrative aspects of Africa’s leading talents. The Plug Entertainment is a premier success-driven talent management and entertainment company with a strong track record across brand and booking, digital content, and live events. Barr. Janet Odunoye’s work ensures the smooth and effective management of licensing and publishing for a roster that includes top-tier artists like DJ Titanium, BOJ, King Promise, and Davido, as well as acclaimed athletes such as Asisat Oshoala, Tobi Amusan, Uchenna Kanu and Henry Onyekuru. Her role is vital in protecting and monetizing the creative and commercial assets of the company’s elite clientele. Barr. Janet has helped over 100 artists set up and collect their royalties. She also offers other legal services.
About Timi Dawodu
Timi Dawodu, popularly known as Timi Blaze, is a music producer, video director, entertainment entrepreneur, multi-format creator, and serial entrepreneur.He is the founder and CEO of Genius Creative Brands, a group of creative companies delivering cutting-edge entertainment, creative, and media services across Nigeria. Timi is also the founder and CEO of Genius TV, a platform dedicated to amplifying African voices through groundbreaking media content, as well as the founder of Gemumo, a music incubator that has empowered over 100 young African talents in recent years.A versatile media entrepreneur, Timi Dawodu’s work spans music, film, design, and talent development. Through his strong ideation skills, media-related businesses addressing real challenges within the creative industry and beyond have been established under his guidance, consistently driving innovation that positively shapes the future of African creativity.
About Oba Lurge
Born in Southern Nigeria, Oba Lurge is a multifaceted creative from Lagos.In 2018, he launched his own imprint, Mich Selber Records, and signed himself. He went on to release two EPs: Mich Selber the Mixtape and Grammy Dreams in 2019, which featured guest appearances from DJ Voyst and Joeboy.His career reached a new milestone in 2021 when he became the first Nigerian rapper to sign a one-year distribution deal with Universal Music Nigeria. That same year, he earned a certificate in Sound Recording & Production for Film & TV from the EbonyLife Creative Academy. While there, he released his EP Son of George IV and was later recognized with the Best Location Sound award for his work on the short film Last Operation. His track, “Energy,” featuring Iyanya, was also synced in the short film After Party.Oba Lurge is currently the first and only African rapper to partner with Roc Nation Distribution, where he’s working on his third album, One Lagos Boy. The album’s first single, “Gone Are The Days,” featuring Duncan Mighty, was released on May 13, 2025.In addition to his music career, Oba Lurge is also the CEO of Equip Your Studio and runs a fashion company called ST. Anthony. He has also worked with Horus Music Africa.
About Mykel Rapsy
Mykel Rapsy (real name: Sunday Michael seun) is a Nigerian music artist, songwriter, and creative based in Lagos. A graduate of Human Resource Management from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, Rapsy blends Afro music, Afro-pop, and other contemporary styles to create a sound that is both soulful and dynamic. He has released two EPs, Fire & Ice and Too Yung to Dream, and is the author of the book Gifted or Cursed?.
Beyond his creative work, Rapsy is an entrepreneur and founder of Lagos Errand Boy, a thriving errand and procurement service based in Lagos. His diverse pursuits reflect his passion for connecting with people, telling stories, and building impactful projects across music, literature, and business.
About Soundboy FA
With a voice as smooth as it is soulful, Soundboy FA is a rising star in the Afrobeats scene. Born Pascal Nonso Andy in Nigeria’s Anambra State, he’s quickly making a name for himself with his unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and contemporary rhythms. His music, which explores themes of love and resilience, has resonated with fans and critics alike.
Soundboy FA’s career has seen significant momentum, including performances at major events across Nigeria. His breakthrough came with the song “Quality Time,” which has gained traction across Europe and America with over 300,000 streams on popular platforms and has sparked a viral trend on TikTok. This rapid success has positioned him as an artist to watch on the global stage. He is also a tattoo artist.
Edinburgh Fringe: Dream Space opens from 31 July at Assembly George Square – The Crate. It’s a non-verbal puppet theatre from Korea…full of imagination, emotion, and visual poetry.
Dream Space takes you to a magical world where the everyday turns into something amazing. With puppets, music, and movement, you’ll go on an exciting island adventure and meet a gentle, powerful whale.
This special show is for children aged 5 and up and mixes fun, wonder, and healing. Children will be inspired to dream, and adults may feel a bit of childhood joy return. As imagination and reality blend, the stage becomes a place where stories come to life. Come with us on a one-of-a-kind journey where dreams soar and anything can happen!
Dream Space was created by South Korean artist Jin-young Son and his team, SSAK. After witnessing the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, Son wanted to bring hope and healing to family audiences. He uses puppets to bring people together through imagination, laughter, and comfort.
“An unforgettable journey through emotion and imagination. A rare gem in Korea’s contemporary theatre.” ★★★★★ Korea Theatre Festival
“Locally rooted, globally resonant. A poetic and powerful celebration of life through puppetry.” ★★★★★ Gangbuk Foundation for Arts & Culture
AWARDS
2024 Invitation Performance Appointment Certificate, Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games
2023 Korean Cheongchun Mic – Excellence in Performing Arts Award
2019 Certificate of Appreciation from Dobong-gu Mayor, Cultural City Dobong Planning Project
2018 Gold Prize, Incheon Children’s Theater Festival
Show Title: Dream Space
Venue: Assembly George Square, The Crate
Time: 13:25hrs
Dates: Thu 31 Jul – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Tickets: 31 Jul: £8.00 / 1-5, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24
Aug: £13.50 / 6-7, 12-14, 19-21 Aug: £12.50
Bookings: www.assemblyfestival.com or 0131 623 3030
