{
  "id": 14876223,
  "title": "Martell Swift Academy Nairobi cohort completes music programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/martell-swift-academy-nairobi-cohort-completes-music-programme",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T05:10:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/martell-swift-academy-nairobi-cohort-completes-music-programme/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Martell Swift Academy Nairobi cohort wrapped up its four-week music programme on October 10, 2026, with a closing showcase. The event celebrated the development of 25 emerging music creatives and professionals who participated in mentorship, practical learning, and industry access opportunities. Martell and Africa House created the pan-African talent development platform, Swift Academy, to support emerging creatives and professionals in the music ecosystem. The closing showcase featured live performances, collaborations, and presentations highlighting the participants' work. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in masterclasses, mentorship sessions, studio sessions, workshops, networking, and creative collaborations, receiving professional development support and industry resources. They were mentored by experts in various music and cultural areas, such as Bensoul, Monica Kemoli, Anyiko Owoko, Njerae, and Joey Akan. Martell’s Head of Culture & Partnerships, Lanre Odutola, emphasized the importance of the programme in creating access for emerging creatives and professionals across Africa. Africa House Co-founder, Jade Kelly Wilson, noted the rewarding journey of the participants, who learned from one another and challenged themselves throughout the four weeks. The Nairobi edition marked the beginning of Swift Academy's broader pan-African expansion, with the next edition planned for Accra.",
  "summary": "The inaugural Nairobi edition of Martell Swift Academy concluded on 10 October 2026 with a closing showcase celebrating the progress of 25 emerging music creatives and professionals following four weeks of 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 […] The…",
  "key_points": [
    "Martell Swift Academy Nairobi program concluded on October 10, 2026",
    "25 emerging creatives and professionals completed the four-week music program",
    "Closing showcase featured live performances and industry access opportunities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}