Swift Academy is making its final call for applications from Nairobi’s emerging music creatives and industry professionals, with applications for its inaugural programme closing on Friday, 28 August. The new initiative aims to give participants practical skills, industry knowledge and valuable connections that can help them navigate the fast-changing African music landscape. Designed around access to experienced music professionals, Swift Academy will create opportunities for participants to learn directly from established voices working across different areas of the industry. The programme comes at a time when Nairobi continues to develop as an important centre for African music, creativity and cultural exchange. For emerging artists and music professionals looking to build sustainable careers, the academy offers an opportunity to gain insight that extends beyond making music and into the wider business and professional ecosystem.
The programme is designed to support talent at different stages of their creative and professional development, with a strong focus on practical knowledge and meaningful industry engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from mentors with experience spanning music journalism, artist development, songwriting, production, music strategy, partnerships and global music platforms. This approach recognises that building a successful music career requires more than artistic ability, particularly in an industry where branding, networking, audience development and strategic decision-making can influence long-term opportunities. By bringing emerging creatives into direct contact with established professionals, Swift Academy aims to help participants better understand how the music ecosystem operates. The initiative also provides a platform for participants to build relationships that could support future collaborations, professional opportunities and creative growth.
Among the mentors joining the inaugural Swift Academy programme is Joey Akan, a multi-award-winning Nigerian music journalist, cultural commentator and founder of Afrobeats Intelligence and The Joey Akan Experience. Through Afrobeats Intelligence, Akan has helped document African music and culture while engaging with leading voices from across the industry. The platform has recorded more than one million downloads, reflecting the growing international interest in African music stories and perspectives. Akan is also a Recording Academy voting member and has served as a juror for both the AFRIMA and MOBO Awards, giving him experience across journalism, music recognition and industry conversations. His involvement gives participants an opportunity to gain insight into how African music is documented, discussed and positioned within an increasingly global music industry.
Kenyan singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bensoul is also part of the Swift Academy mentor lineup, bringing direct experience from both the creative and performance sides of the music business. Known for blending African soul, Afropop and R&B with personal storytelling, Bensoul has developed a distinctive sound that explores themes including love, vulnerability, freedom and contemporary African life. His career includes an early association with Sol Generation before he continued developing his independent artistic path. His credits include “Time Flies” with Sauti Sol and Burna Boy, as well as an appearance on the Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall. With experience as a songwriter, instrumentalist and recording artist, Bensoul can offer emerging creatives practical perspectives on developing an authentic artistic identity while navigating the demands of the modern music industry.
Kenyan-born and raised singer, songwriter and producer Njerrae is another mentor bringing a contemporary creative perspective to the programme. Her Afro-indie sound combines R&B, soul and contemporary African influences, creating a style that reflects the diversity of Kenya’s developing music scene. Often described as Kenya’s “lover girl,” Njerrae uses her music to explore emotions and conversations that people can sometimes find difficult to express openly. Her work demonstrates how emerging African artists can use personal experiences and distinct creative identities to connect with audiences. For Swift Academy participants, her perspective can provide useful insight into songwriting, production, artistic expression and the process of developing a recognisable voice in a competitive market.
Monica Kemoli adds significant music industry and artist development experience to the mentor lineup. The Nairobi-based music and culture executive specialises in artist development, music strategy and creative partnerships, with professional experience supporting artists, managers and labels across the African music ecosystem. Kemoli previously served as Senior Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, where she worked on initiatives focused on artist growth and wider industry development. She currently serves as A&R and Project Manager, Africa at Platoon, while also founding Tangaza Studio, a creative platform focused on amplifying African music, culture and talent. Her experience across streaming, A&R, partnerships and artist development gives Swift Academy participants an opportunity to understand how creative careers can be strengthened through strategic planning and effective industry relationships.
The combination of mentors reflects Swift Academy’s broader focus on developing well-rounded music professionals rather than concentrating solely on performance or songwriting. Emerging artists need to understand how music reaches audiences, how industry relationships are built and how creative projects can be positioned for sustainable growth. Music journalists and cultural commentators can help artists understand the importance of storytelling and visibility, while experienced artists can provide insight into the realities of developing a career and maintaining a distinct creative identity. Industry executives can offer another perspective on partnerships, A&R, strategy and the systems that connect artists with audiences and commercial opportunities. Bringing these different perspectives together creates a learning environment where Nairobi’s music creatives can explore both the creative and professional sides of their careers.
The timing of the programme is also significant as African music continues to attract audiences, platforms and industry attention around the world. Nairobi has a diverse creative community that includes musicians, producers, songwriters, managers, journalists, event professionals and other specialists contributing to the growth of the local music ecosystem. However, access to experienced industry professionals and practical career knowledge can remain a major factor in how emerging talent progresses. Swift Academy aims to address that gap by creating direct opportunities for learning and connection. Its focus on practical skills and industry access could help participants make more informed decisions about their music careers while building relationships within Kenya’s wider creative economy.
Applications for the inaugural Swift Academy close on Friday, 28 August, making the deadline an important opportunity for Nairobi-based music creatives and industry professionals who want to participate. Applicants interested in strengthening their professional knowledge, expanding their networks and learning from established figures in African music should submit their applications before the closing date. The programme is particularly relevant for people who want to understand the industry beyond the creative process and develop the skills needed to build sustainable careers. With mentors bringing experience from journalism, recording, songwriting, production, streaming, A&R, artist development and creative partnerships, participants can expect exposure to a broad range of perspectives. The academy therefore represents an opportunity for emerging professionals to learn from people who have experienced different parts of the music business firsthand.
Swift Academy’s inaugural programme arrives with a clear focus on helping Nairobi’s music community develop the knowledge, relationships and professional confidence needed to take the next step. Its mentor lineup brings together established creative voices and experienced industry professionals who understand both the opportunities and challenges facing African music talent. By combining practical learning with access to people working across the music ecosystem, the academy can give participants a stronger foundation for approaching their careers strategically. The closing date of 28 August means interested Nairobi-based applicants have limited time to take advantage of the opportunity. As African music continues to expand its global reach, initiatives such as Swift Academy can play an important role in ensuring emerging talent has the skills, industry access and connections needed to build lasting careers.
