The inaugural Nairobi edition of Martell Swift Academy concluded on October 10, 2026, with a closing showcase celebrating the progress of 25 emerging music creatives and professionals. The four-week program provided mentorship, practical development, industry access, and collaboration. Created by Martell and curated by Africa House, Swift Academy is a pan-African talent development platform designed to support emerging creatives and professionals across the music ecosystem.
The closing showcase brought together participants, mentors, and figures from Nairobi's music and creative industries for an evening of live performances, collaboration, and presentations. The participants were guided by mentors spanning different areas of music and culture, including singers Bensoul and Njerae. The mentors provided guidance on various aspects of the music industry, helping the participants to build their skills and confidence.
Over the course of the four-week program, the 25 participants took part in masterclasses, breakout mentorship sessions, studio sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and creative collaborations. They also gained access to professional development support and industry resources. The program was structured to give participants opportunities to learn, experiment, collaborate, and apply new knowledge in practical settings.
The inaugural Nairobi edition of Martell Swift Academy marked an important first step in the wider ambition for Swift Academy to create stronger pathways for emerging music creatives and professionals across Africa. Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell, said that the program had helped the cohort build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop meaningful connections with mentors and with one another.
Jade Kelly Wilson, Co-founder of Africa House, noted that the journey of the cohort had been incredibly rewarding to watch. The participants came into the program from different parts of the music ecosystem, with different ambitions and areas of expertise, and over the four weeks, they learned from one another and challenged themselves. The showcase gave the participants the opportunity to demonstrate their individual growth and what they were able to create together.
While the closing showcase marked the end of the in-person Nairobi program, support for participants will continue through ongoing virtual check-ins and mentorship. This will help the cohort build on the progress made and maintain the relationships developed throughout the program. The Nairobi edition also marks the beginning of Swift Academy's wider pan-African journey, with the next edition set to take place in Accra.
The Martell Swift Academy Nairobi program provided a platform for emerging music creatives and professionals to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals. The program's success demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives to support the growth of the music industry in Africa. With ongoing support, the participants are expected to continue making progress in their careers and contributing to the wider music ecosystem.
Key points
- The inaugural Nairobi edition of Martell Swift Academy concluded on October 10, 2026, with a closing showcase celebrating 25 emerging music creatives and professionals.
- The program provided mentorship, practical development, industry access, and collaboration to support the growth of emerging music creatives and professionals.
- The Nairobi edition marks the beginning of Swift Academy's wider pan-African journey, with the next edition set to take place in Accra.
