Tourism Commissioner announces entries for African Music Next Talent Hunt

 

By Kayode Olopade 

 In a major boost to Africa’s creative economy, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through the Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) has announced the official call for entries for the African Music Next Talent Hunt, a groundbreaking initiative to identify and elevate emerging music stars across the continent. 

The initiative, which reflects Lagos’ position as a cultural capital of Africa, aims to offer mentorship, global exposure, and career-building opportunities to young creatives in partnership with top international music labels like Empire.

The Commissioner for the Ministry, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka made this disclosure on Wednesday while addressing members of the Press at this year's Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the sixth year in office of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Ikeja. 

Speaking on the initiative, the Commissioner said : “This is not just about performance, it is about equipping our youth with the right tools, access, and platform to succeed in today’s global music industry. 

“Through African Music Next, we are deepening Lagos' legacy as the heartbeat of African sound and innovation. With the launch of the African Music Next Talent Hunt, LSCAC has made a bold statement about its future direction of using innovation to elevate African creativity to the global stage."

Benson-Awoyinka added that the talent development program is designed to provide world-class training and visibility, with a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent capable of making a global impact. Interested participants are invited to visit https://africanmusicnext.com to submit entries.

In its continued effort to promote youth involvement in culture, the Commissioner revealed that Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture hosted the 2024 Cultural Quiz Competition for secondary schools, with Oke Odo Senior High School emerging victorious. 

"This was followed by a prestigious moment at NAFEST 2024, where Omobolanle Akanji of Dansol High School received the Second-Place Award in the national essay writing competition, bringing pride to Lagos once again.

" As part of its community outreach and heritage promotion efforts, the Council also celebrated events such as World Theatre Day, World Asa Day, World Isese Day, and World Dance Day, with each occasion spotlighting Lagos’ cultural depth and diversity. Notably, the Miniature Arts Exhibition held at Freedom Park showcased the creativity of contemporary Nigerian artists and reinforced the accessibility of visual arts."