For emerging actors, independent filmmakers, and multihyphenate storytellers striving to move from the margins to the global main stage, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has consistently served as a vital springboard.
As the festival rolls out its landmark edition, the spotlight shines brightly on the next generation of creative talent ready to redefine African storytelling.
A Gateway for Emerging Talent
Founded with a vision to bridge local cinematic brilliance and international markets, AFRIFF has evolved into one of the continent’s most powerful developmental powerhouses. Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, the festival functions as an intensive incubator for new voices through:
Industry Programs & Masterclasses: Direct access to veteran producers, directors, casting agents, and global distributors who share practical blueprints for career sustainability.
Global Exposure & Co-Production Markets: Platforms like its partnerships and market sections connect raw independent talent with international funding, co-production deals, and cross-border distribution opportunities.
Dedicated Short Film & Student Categories: Tailored entry pathways that specifically encourage young creators and first-time filmmakers to present their potential without being drowned out by commercial studio budgets.
Key Dates & Submission Details
The clock is ticking for creators looking to get their work evaluated for the upcoming festival week:Theme: Frames of the Future: Africa’s Creative IntelligenceSubmission Deadlines: While the primary deadlines wrap up in August 2026, late submission structures via FilmFreeway remain a critical window for teams finalizing their post-production.
Official Festival Dates: November 1st to November 7th, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Submission Portal: Submissions and category criteria are managed directly via FilmFreeway (AFRIFF).
Bridging Vision and Infrastructure
For independent incubators and rising debutants navigating the shifting landscapes of African media, platforms like AFRIFF validate the crucial intersection of bold artistry and technical precision. Whether you are submitting a debut short, sharpening your performance craft, or positioning your project for international buyers, aligning with these ecosystem milestones is a definitive step toward sustainable creative entrepreneurship.
Are you submitting a project to AFRIFF this season, and how does your work fit into this year’s exploration of Africa’s creative intelligence?
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).
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.
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.
Follow the Africa Creative Market on social media to stay updated.
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.
