Accomplished music artist Mykel Rapsy is set to officially launch his highly anticipated debut book, ‘GIFTED OR CURSED?’, with a unique and insightful three-part podcast special. The series will be recorded live on December 16, 2025, in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, bringing together Mykel Rapsy and a dynamic panel of seven diverse creatives to delve into the book’s profound musings on the multifaceted challenges inherent in the creative process.
‘GIFTED OR CURSED?’ explores the intricate balance between the passion that drives artists and the obstacles they face, delving into the different types of challenges faced during the creative process. The accompanying podcast aims to provide an unfiltered, candid discussion drawn directly from the experiences of both established and emerging voices in the creative landscape.
The distinguished panel joining Mykel Rapsy includes:
Vybz: Music Artist, Music Teacher, Voice Coach, Songwriter, and Singer.
Humbledann: Music Producer, Music Executive, and Music Artist.
Surpy: Dance Artist, Dance Teacher, and the Originator of Konto Dance in Nigeria, also a Paint Artist.
Bclean: Artist, Songwriter, and Singer.
Ibeh: Singer and Businessman.
Fireman: Music Artist, Event Manager, Songwriter, and Rapper.
Dilo: Singer, Songwriter, and Paint Artist.
The engaging discussion will be expertly moderated by Ermandha, the prominent TV Presenter and Founder of Rara Avis Entertainment. Her experience and insight will guide the conversation, ensuring a rich and impactful dialogue for listeners.
“This podcast series is more than just a book launch; it’s an extension of the conversation I started with ‘GIFTED OR CURSED?’,” says Mykel Rapsy. “I believe every creative, regardless of their stage, will find their truth in these discussions. It’s about shedding light on the often-unseen battles and triumphs that come with pursuing an artistic path.”
The ‘GIFTED OR CURSED?’ podcast special promises to be an essential listen for artists, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the realities behind the glamour of the creative world.
Powered by Lagos Errandboy and Rara Avis.
Further details on how to tune into the live recording or access the podcast series will be announced soon.
About Mykel Rapsy: Mykel Rapsy is an accomplished singer, songwriter, academic writer, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of Lagos Errandboy.
About Ermandha: Ermandha is a prominent TV Presenter and the Founder of Rara Avis Entertainment. She also serves as the Head of Media for The Humour Awards Academy and is a respected Producer and Creative Director.
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.
LULA.XYZ ANNOUNCES“EDINBURGH FRINGE WITH SPICE”A DEDICATED BROCHURE AND MARKETING INITIATIVE FOR ALL ARTISTS OF COLOUR
Edinburgh Fringe with Spice is a brand new pilot initiative launched at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 to spotlight Global Majority and non-white artists at the festival. Spearheaded by LULA.XYZ, she will lead a series of programmes with the support from City of Edinburgh Council, Underbelly and Fringe of Colour.
‘Our aim is to increase diversity in audiences at the fringe. We want to make sure the communities we write about are in the room’ says LULA.XYZ.
The digital brochure is available online immediately with a printed version to be available on Thursday.
The initiative has multiple elements designed to counter the negative bias of non-white stories and address the overwhelmingly white audience demographic of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, covered in both The Guardian and The Stage. With almost 4,000 shows programmed fewer than 10% centre Artists of Colour, according to the Fringe of Colour database. And ‘whilst it’s easy to complain, I chose to celebrate those of us who are here representing against all the odds’ LULX.XYZ adds.
LULA.XYZ is piloting the following actions for 2025:Edinburgh Fringe with Spice: A dedicated brochure of all shows by non-white artists, created with the support of the Fringe of Colour database. This has only been possible thanks to the support from The City of Edinburgh Council, Culture and Wellbeing Service, Diversity and Inclusion Fund
OommoO.xyz: A public facing centralised digital space where Global Majority Shows are spotlighted, and audience reviews drive discovery. Designed to widen the frame of feedback and capture what the press misses. Real, unfiltered feedback from the people who matter most, those who have paid to see the work.
200 tickets have been bought for the global majority shows programmed by Underbelly to be distributed to new audiences. Providing active outreach at no cost to the artist (in partnership with Underbelly). Initially started by Fringe of Colour 2019, with LULA.XYZ picking up the baton in 2025.
Whilst there are a lot of initiatives actioned for the purpose of access and audience development to address some things, we believe outreach should not be the responsibility of the artists/companies.
Jodie Adams, senior programmer for Underbelly said:
“The Edinburgh Fringe With Spice Initiative is a crucial new scheme from pioneering artist LULA.XYZ, building on the work of Fringe of Colour to ensure Global Majority artists and audiences are giving visibility and support at what is still an overwhelmingly white festival. Underbelly are delighted to be presenting Lula’s shows and to be supporting this initiative by donating free tickets to community groups at no cost to the artists, enabling them to see shows by Performers of Colour that they may otherwise not have seen. By boosting visibility to the Edinburgh Fringe With Spice brochure and website wherever possible we are hoping to encourage everyone across the festival to check out and support the work of all these fantastic artists and help amplify their voices.“
LULA.XYZ said:
“As an artist, my work speaks to more than the usual theatre goer, it is a gateway for communities who traditionally think theatre is not for them. Knowing that, I do a lot of outreach to engage the communities I write about. For a lot of them, my work would have been their first theatre experience and as a byproduct of that, they want to see more but this environment has not been accessible. Audiences that want to engage with global majority stories can’t find us. There has been no easy way to navigate through it all. So I decided to do something about it.”
About LULA.XYZ
LULA.XYZ is an award winning multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of theatre, music and technology. Described as ‘the future of new storytelling’ she received an Oram award and is gaining recognition for her innovation and cultural impact.
Credits include: I AM – One of many, many of One (Summerhall, Underbelly), I AM – A Walking Universe (Summerhall, Underbelly), Punk Alley (Southbank Centre), Parakeet (Boundless Theatre), Rapunzel (Wicked Productions), Journeys Beyond (Eclipse Theatre).
She has created the audio/visual installationEveryone is a Storyteller (Upswing) and North Star Fading (Positive Negative) which was nominated for an Inspiration award. Her film credit is the title role of Semret (Cinedokki), winner of Best Narrative Feature Award at Montreal International Black Films Festival and official selection of Locarno Film Festival.
Fringe of Colour was founded in 2018 in response to the scarcity of shows by People of Colour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the disproportionate promotion and support they receive in comparison to productions by white performers.
LISTINGS FOR LULA.XYZ
I AM – One of many, many of One Iron Belly, Underbelly 66 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JX Preview 31st July 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23 August 2025
Tickets from £9 / £15 17:10pm – 18:10pm 60 mins Age 12+ (Guideline)
Event warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes http://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/
I AM – A Walking Universe Iron Belly, Underbelly 66 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JX
Preview 31st July 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24 August 2025 Tickets from £9 / £15 17:10pm – 18:10pm 60 mins Age 12+ (Guideline) Event warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes http://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world, and Underbelly is one of its largest venues. With over 160 shows, 2025 saw over 2500 performances take place across its 20 venues and 4 sites – George Square, Circus Hub, Cowgate and Bristol Square. Underbelly showcases the best international work of all genres, and there’s no better place to be in August.
About Underbelly Ltd
Underbelly is a UK-based live entertainment company. Their events and festivals division runs one of the largest operations at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In October 2023, Underbelly established its first permanent venue with the Underbelly Boulevard theatre in the heart of Soho. Elsewhere, Underbelly also produces Christmas in Leicester Square, Skate West End in Hanover Square, West End Live in Trafalgar Square, and Pride in London for Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre.
The City of Edinburgh Council is the second largest council in Scotland and the ninth largest in the UK, with a workforce of 19,000 employees and a budget of around £1bn for the financial year 2015/16.
The Council is committed to playing a dynamic role on the local, national and international stage. The Council has a strong commitment to corporate management, a willingness to innovate and a determination to set the highest standards.
The Council plays a central role in shaping the continued success of Edinburgh as a 21st century capital city. Our responsibilities are wide-ranging, from our superb schools through to social work, housing, economic development, parks and green spaces, culture and sport, festivals and events, roads and transport.
About Underbelly
Underbelly is a UK-based live entertainment company. Our events and festivals division operates one of the largest operations at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With over 160 shows, 2024 saw over 280,000 tickets sold across its 21 venues and 4 sites – Bristo Square, George Square, Cowgate and Circus Hub.
NYC-based writer, filmmaker and performer Candice Fox is bringing her show, Cheers, Mom! Eulogy For a Living Parent to the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Following themes from much of her work exploring addiction, family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships, Cheers, Mom! is a wild, hilarious solo show about grief, love and mommy issues. Fox dives into the chaos of loss and a complex mother-daughter saga, blending raw storytelling with striking visuals.
She examines grief in its messy glory, awkward moments and accidental wisdom, navigating the strange ways we stumble forward. This show isn’t just about death, it’s about mourning someone still alive, dealing with estrangement and how addiction distorts family history. Deeply intimate, darkly funny, Cheers, Mom! Is cathartic, relatable and unexpected. You’ll laugh, cry and probably text your mom something unhinged afterward!
Candice Fox, Writer/Performer:
Candice Fox is a writer, filmmaker, and performer based in New York City. Her films have screened at international festivals including the New York Movie Awards and Paris Film Awards, and her essays appear on Medium’s leading mental health platform, Invisible Illness. In addition to publishing the poetry collection Mental Maps, she is also currently working on a feature-length documentary exploring a personal and life-altering trauma.
Preston Mui, Director:
Preston is a multidisciplinary performer who has been on Broadway in Hamilton since 2019, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in dance, acting, and stagecraft. Raised in San Francisco, he trained in singing, martial arts, and dance from a young age, studying at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. His career spans TV, film, live stage, and 360 video, with performance credits alongside icons like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and John Legend. Preston’s work blends music, movement, and visual storytelling to create deeply immersive experiences.
Reed Luplau, Movement Direction:
Reed Luplau is an Australian-born dancer, choreographer, and performer whose career spans Broadway, film, opera, and contemporary dance. He has performed with renowned companies like Sydney Dance Company and Stephen Petronio Company, and appeared in Broadway productions including Moulin Rouge!, The Great Comet of 1812, and Fiddler on the Roof. Reed’s choreographic work includes Head Over Heels, Broadway Bares, and an ASL production of Spring Awakening. He is currently the co-creator and director of When We Touch, a dance narrative exploring a mother-son relationship under a repressive regime.
Following a powerful premiere in Cape Town and widespread acclaim at South Africa’s National Arts Festival, the gripping solo play Beggared in S.A. now makes its international debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Based on a true story and written by the beggar himself, Stewart Clarke, this raw and redemptive work was shaped over three years in a workshop environment with director Gideon DeWet. Performed by South African actor Sean Higgs, the play is a searing portrayal of one man’s fall from privilege–and his transformation through the spirit of Ubuntu.
Once a white South African raised with every advantage, Clarke’s life collapses. Homeless and destitute, he takes to the streets with a cardboard sign. But hope arrives from the most unexpected place: a township shack and the poor, black South Africans who offer him more humanity than the world he once ruled. Their belief in Ubuntu–the philosophy of “I am because we are”–rebuilds him from the inside out.
“This is the story of a man who lost everything–except his soul. And maybe that was the point.” – Sean Higgs
Performed with unflinching honesty, dark humour, and deep compassion, Beggared in S.A. is a 60-minute solo tour de force that invites audiences to question what we truly value–and who we become when the masks fall away.
A once-privileged white man loses everything in post-apartheid South Africa–and finds redemption in the townships through Ubuntu. Based on a true story. Written by the beggar himself. Raw, funny, haunting. Performed by Sean Higgs. Directed by Gideon DeWet
Fringe
Gideon DeWet
I bumped into Stewart Clark, a former ballet dancer and hairdresser, and he told me he was living on the street and begging by the robot (traffic light). I told him to write it all down as I could not help him financially. He did and I spent the next two years editing and directing Stewart in the play. After 3 performances and 2 fundraisers that raised enough money for his cataract operation, Stewart developed epilepsy and did not want to go on a stage again.
I then approached Sean Higgs to take the part of The Beggar. Previously we met at the University of Cape Town Drama School in 1984 and have done a lot of theatre work thereafter. We rehearsed for 6 months via Whatsapp until Sean came to South Africa and we had 2 weeks of face-to-face rehearsals before opening Beggared in Sa at The Masque Theatre. So far, a total of 19 performances in 7 venues in Cape Town and in the Eastern Cape, including the National Arts Festival, formerly known as the Grahamstown Festival.
