The inaugural Nairobi edition of the Martell Swift Academy concluded on October 10 with a closing showcase celebrating the growth and achievements of 25 emerging music creatives and industry professionals. The milestone event followed an intensive four-week programme packed with mentorship, practical skills development, creative collaboration, and direct industry access.

Among the standout participants joining the cohort are Abigael Diana of Ongeza Volume, Sonya Bitengo, Wanjiru Ngothi, Tipilda Roimen, Shillah Elllah, Wanjiku Mungai, Sam Are, and Keya Frankline.

Created by Maison Martell and curated by Africa House, the Swift Academy is a pan-African talent development platform engineered to empower emerging talent across the music ecosystem. By pairing practical learning with valuable industry access, the initiative aims to build sustainable career pathways for the continent’s next generation of cultural leaders.

Over the course of four weeks, the selected cohort participated in hands-on masterclasses, breakout mentorship sessions, professional studio recordings, interactive workshops, and structured networking.

Participants received direct guidance from a diverse lineup of established industry figures, including:

  • Bensoul — Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
  • Monica Kemoli — Music and culture executive
  • Anyiko Owoko — Music publicist and curator
  • Njerae — Singer, songwriter, and producer
  • Joey Akan — Music journalist and cultural commentator

The closing showcase gathered participants, mentors, and prominent figures from Nairobi’s creative landscape for an evening of live performances, collaborative presentations, and project debuts reflecting the work developed throughout the academy.

“Over the past four weeks, we have seen this cohort build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop meaningful connections with mentors and with one another,” said Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell. “The significance of the programme goes beyond what happened in the room during these few weeks. It’s about creating access that can have a lasting impact on how emerging creatives and professionals navigate their careers and contribute to the wider music ecosystem.”

From initial workshops to final stage performances, the academy was designed to give rising artists and executives room to experiment, build, and apply new skills in practical settings.

“The journey of this cohort has been incredibly rewarding to watch,” noted Jade Kelly Wilson, Co-founder of Africa House. “They came into the programme from different parts of the music ecosystem, with different ambitions and areas of expertise, and over the four weeks we have seen them learn from one another and challenge themselves. The showcase gave the participants the opportunity to demonstrate their individual growth and what they were able to create together.”

Although the live Nairobi sessions have concluded, ongoing support will continue through virtual check-ins and structured mentorship designed to help participants maintain momentum and sustain the relationships built during the program.

The completion of the Nairobi edition marks the official start of Swift Academy’s pan-African expansion. The next edition is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, as the platform continues its rollout across key African music hubs.