Our Reporter
In his quest to help discover new music talents in African, the Nigeria-born Afro-pop star, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popular known and identify with his stage name, ‘Mr Eazi’ , has launched a project tagged, ‘emPawa’
The popular international music act speaking at a press conference which was held at The House, 4 A.J. Marinho Dr, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently stated that the goal of the new initiative is to find Africa’s next batch of superstars by uncovering independent and emerging talented artistes and to provide them with the resources and exposure to launch their own careers.
By partnering with iconic figures in the music industry, Eazi intends to equip the artistes with the tools, in-depth industry knowledge, network, and funds necessary for them to not only achieve their full potentials but to also sustain the independence they need to become music entrepreneurs.
According to report, the initiative, ‘emPawa’ , is inspired by tech accelerators like 88mph.ac and 440.ng which Eazi participated in back in 2014.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Eazi stated:
“All it took me to start my career was a video that cost me $1000 but the career has allowed me to tour the world, own a business and employed over 100 people.
“I have funded four videos for artistes in the past two years, thereby creating immense opportunities for them. One of those artistes was recently nominated for a BET award, so this is ultimately the real motivation behind this cause – providing opportunities for emerging artistes as well as mentoring them to have the knowledge to become music entrepreneurs like myself”.
Interested participants are to submit their works for consideration and evaluation by Eazi and other experts in the industry via Instagram.
The deadline for submission is Saturday, 15th December 2018, after which 100 artistes would be selected and giving a grant of $3000USD each.
This fund would be used to produce 100 music videos with a production crew across Africa. 10 of the 100 finalists will be selected to fly to South Africa with Mr. Eazi to partake in a 3-week incubator programme and mentoring by a pop star, Raye and renowned producer, Diplo, amongst other key names in the industry.
According to the organizer, participants would also have the opportunity to record their song in a state-of-the-art recording studio and would shoot their videos with a professional film crew. More so, from these 10 finalists, Mr. Eazi would select a few to perform at the ‘Ghana Party in the Park’ in London next year, alongside Eazi and other superstars.
