In a landmark collaboration, the British Council and Africa Creative Market (ACM) have joined forces to launch “Next Level,” an exciting new initiative designed to empower and showcase emerging African music artists.
The program’s mission is to provide rising stars with the tools and visibility they need to thrive in the global music industry. “Next Level” aims to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for up-and-coming talent.
The grand prize includes a N3 million cash award towards the production of a music video, a fully sponsored trip to the UK to perform during the British Council’s Creative Economy Week, and an invaluable three-month mentorship with a leading producer or artist. Winners will also gain significant exposure through a post-event PR campaign or a magazine cover feature with ACM.
This initiative is a powerful step towards building a more sustainable and globally recognized African music scene. The partnership with the British Council underscores a commitment to fostering creative exchange and economic growth within the continent’s music sector.
Call for Applications:
Your ‘Next Level’ Awaits!
Are you an emerging music artist ready to take your career to the next level? The opportunity you’ve been waiting for is here.
One Stage. One Break.
Apply now for the “Next Level” music initiative and get a chance to win a fully sponsored trip to the UK for a performance, a N3 million cash prize for a music video production, and a mentorship opportunity with an industry leader. This program is an incredible chance to elevate your craft and gain international exposure.
How to Apply:
The application is FREE and open to all African music artists. Simply visit bit.ly/ACMNextLevel to submit your application.
Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity. The application deadline is September 11, 2025.
For more information, you can email Nextlevel@africacreativemarketglobal.com or call +2349167667376.
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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.
With Two Days Of Runway, Creativity, And Conversations; Epic Show 2025 Champions Funding, Sustainability, and Creative Power at the Heart of African Fashion
Host
Fashions Finest Africa has officially concluded Epic Show 2025, a two-day creative experience that delivered on its promise to spotlight Africa’s boldest new voices in fashion while tackling real industry challenges. Held on July 5th and 6th at The Podium, Lekki, the event attracted a vibrant cross-section of designers, industry voices, culture leaders, and fashion enthusiasts all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of African fashion.
Attendees
Epic Show 2025 opened with inspiring panel conversations on funding, fashion business literacy, and sustainability bringing together thought leaders and fashion veterans to explore the systems needed to support African fashion beyond aesthetics.
The sessions featured voices from across sectors; Jide Sipe, Mai Atafo, The style infidel, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, Abubakar Sanusi, Isaac John, Mabel Adeteye, Chidubem Ejezie and Dayo Nupo, each offering insight into the structural changes required for Africa’s fashion economy to thrive. From navigating the venture capital landscape to addressing the climate impact of production, the discussions made it clear: creativity needs structure, and talent must meet opportunity.
The runway shows that followed reflected the same intentionality. 31 emerging designers took to the stage, presenting collections that merged local identity with global appeal. Each designer brought a fresh perspective from daring silhouettes to textile innovation showing the depth of talent rising across the continent.
We had Nubik Attire, Nenysty Atelier, Tsmallz Apparel, The Vantage Gent, The Fleks Apparel, House of Gold, Millennial Apparel by Ruby, Jayred Fashion World, Lamide Official, Ria Kosher, Asotiay, The U & J Brand, Gozifego, Trendecais x Yunik, 31 Woman Elegante, De Sewar, Onye Duo Duo, Tai.lore Clothing, Roju Ascent, Sarai Imani Atelier, Gloria & Co, RR Dot Design, Kijipa Couture, Tresha Trendy, Craftman Bespoke, Mak Africa, AO Afriq, R, Herant, Diuz! Authentic and Stella London.
Day 2 introduced one of the event’s standout moments: the Design for the Future (D4DF) competition, an initiative launched to spotlight visionary fashion talents at the start of their journey. After a compelling runway showcase, the winning designer was awarded a ₦1 million grant and a closing slot at the grand finale showcase, a moment that earned a standing ovation from the crowd and marked a symbolic investment in Africa’s next generation of creatives.
High-profile personalities including Queen Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, cultural ambassador and Queen of Ife, Mojibade Sosanya and media icon Frank Edoho were in attendance at the grand finale, further affirming the platform’s credibility and wide-reaching cultural impact. Also present were respected industry figures like Mai Atafo and The Style Infidel, who offered guidance to the emerging designers backstage and lent their voices to panel conversations earlier in the programme.
Reflecting on the success of the show, Sola Oyebade, Founder of Fashions Finest Africa and CEO of Mahogany International, shared:
“What we witnessed over the last two days is the future of African fashion in real time. From our panelists to the designers, to the audience that showed up with energy and purpose, Epic Show 2025 reminded us that Africa is full of brilliance; it only needs the right platforms. That’s what FFA will always stand for.”
Model
Epic Show 2025 was a reminder that creative excellence on the continent is not in short supply. What’s needed now is continued investment, strategic visibility, and stronger ecosystems and FFA continues to serve as one of the few platforms deeply committed to those outcomes. The event was produced by Mahogany International and made possible through the generous support of official partners Darling Hair, TEPS, and Mystic Beauty whose contributions helped shape the energy, experience, and success of this year’s edition.
Mai Atafo
About Fashions Finest Africa
Fashions Finest Africa (FFA) is a leading Pan-African platform dedicated to supporting new and emerging fashion creatives across the continent. Since its inception in the UK over 16 years ago,FFA has worked to amplify African talent through curated fashion showcases, talent discovery initiatives, and capacity-building conversations that support long-term growth. Its work focuses on visibility, access, and innovation within the African fashion space.
In today’s digital age, content plays a vital role in capturing the attention of our desired audience. With the ever-increasing demand for online information, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to create content that truly resonates.
As content enthusiasts, We’ve explored various content strategies and identified the top 10 most effective techniques to captivate your audience.
Audience Insight: Understanding your target audience is crucial. Research their interests, pain points, and preferences to craft content that speaks directly to them.
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Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that adds value to your audience.
Visual Appeal: Incorporate high-quality images, videos, and infographics to break up text and enhance engagement.
Content Revival: Breathe new life into existing content by repurposing and updating it to make it relevant to current trends.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their experiences, photos, or videos featuring your brand, showcasing social proof and building trust.
Interactive Content: Engage your audience with quizzes, polls, and surveys that encourage participation and increase engagement.
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and tap into their existing audience.
Search Engine Optimization: Ensure your content is optimized for relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and image optimization to increase online visibility.
Performance Analysis: Track your content’s performance to understand what works and what doesn’t, adjusting your strategy accordingly.
By incorporating these proven content strategies, you’ll be well on your way to crafting captivating content that resonates with your audience and achieves your content goals.
