The Afrobeats ecosystem has been a part of recent conversations about how its home base in Africa hasn't been a beneficiary of its global aspirations. Recently, several initiatives have emerged to address this perceived deficit.
A notable example isMavin Global, with its Mavin Future Five, which is now accepting applications for its third edition. Hosted by the Nigerian record label, which countsRemaandAyra Starr among its signees, the Future Five has a focused approach to diversifying local interest in the Afrobeats scene by training promising youngsters to become music executives.
"People always talk about the 'next big artist,' but rarely about the next great executive," saysDon Jazzy, founder and CEO of Mavin Global. "Talent is Nigeria's greatest export, and that includes the thinkers, builders, and strategists behind the music. Future Five is about giving these people the launchpad necessary to accelerate their development and build on the success we're experiencing as an industry."
Since its launch in 2021, the program has recorded over 3,200 applicants and selected 10 fellows. Notably, 80 percent of its alumni are now working across Africa's entertainment ecosystem.
Photo by Deeds Studio
Tems with selected participants of her Leading Vibe initiative.
Another big project isTems'Leading Vibe initiative, which delivered access and mentorship to women artists, producers, and songwriters. Such programs demonstrate the importance of deliberate industry-building, particularly from insiders who understand the challenges of entry.
Last weekend, the two-day program hosted about 20 creative professionals, with activities shared among the core tracks of artist performance, songwriting, and music production.
Tems reiterated her vision in a press statement. "When I started as an artist, I had to teach myself everything, from production to navigating the music industry. Today, I'm fortunate to have a team that shares my vision, but I know my story isn't unique. There are many women [with] drive and potential, but without access to the right tools or network. That is why I started the Leading Vibe initiative," she said. "Seeing the first group together in Lagos, supporting each other, and growing through the experience, reminded me exactly why this matters."
In its own way, Mavin Records has long been a revelatory showcase of diverse creative talents, working to boost the profiles of its producers and songwriters over the years. With the Future Five, they've doubled down on the work that began about thirteen years ago when the label was founded.
"Mavin Future Five is now part of how we recruit, how we innovate, and how we stay young at heart as a company," says Tega Oghenejobo, President and COO of Mavin Global. "But more than that, it's our way of investing in the future of the entire African music landscape. When we equip brilliant young minds with the right tools and exposure, the ripple effect goes beyond Mavin. It strengthens the ecosystem, raises the bar, and ensures the next generation of leaders is ready before the spotlight hits them."
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