Gyakie, M.anifest and Juls to Mentor Emerging Music Creatives in Accra
Ghanaian music stars Gyakie and M.anifest, alongside celebrated producer and DJ Juls, are among the industry figures selected to mentor emerging music talents in Accra through the Swift Academy programme.
The Accra edition brings together five mentors with experience across music performance, production, artist management and the wider creative business. The programme is designed to give developing creatives access to practical guidance and professional support as they work towards building sustainable careers in the music industry.
The other named mentors are Therese Ohemaa Jones, a music manager and co-founder of Accra creative hub Jambo Spaces, and Maxwell Adjavon, founder of the emerging African music platform iMullar.
A mix of music experience and industry knowledge
Each mentor brings a different area of expertise to the programme.
Gyakie became widely recognised beyond Ghana following the success of her song “Forever”. Her experience as a recording artiste gives her a perspective on songwriting, performance, audience connection and developing a recognisable musical identity.
M.anifest, born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, is known for his thoughtful lyrics, distinctive delivery and contribution to Ghanaian hip-hop. His career offers an example of how an artiste can develop a strong creative identity while working across different musical and cultural spaces.
Juls has built a reputation as a producer and DJ through a sound that blends Afrobeats, highlife and R&B. His production experience and work with established African and international artistes make him an important voice for young producers seeking to understand modern music creation and collaboration.
The inclusion of Jones and Adjavon also gives the programme an industry-development dimension. Successful music careers involve more than recording songs. Artist management, promotion, networking, event organisation and understanding audiences all play important roles.
Who can apply?
According to the programme announcement, the Accra call is open to emerging artistes, producers, songwriters and music industry professionals based in Accra.
Applications opened on October 27 and are scheduled to close on Friday, November 6, 2026. Participation is free. Selected participants are expected to receive mentorship, professional tools and a grant, although the organisers have not publicly specified the grant amount or the number of available places.
Interested applicants should consult the official Swift Academy application information and confirm the eligibility requirements before submitting their details.
Why programmes like this matter to Ghana’s music industry
Ghana has a strong pool of musical talent, but turning creative ability into a lasting career can be difficult. Young artistes may have songs ready for release but lack access to experienced managers, professional production support, distribution knowledge or reliable industry networks.
A structured mentorship programme can help bridge some of these gaps. It can give participants the opportunity to learn from people who have faced the demands of recording, releasing music, building audiences and working with other professionals.
For producers and songwriters, direct guidance can also help improve the quality of their work and their understanding of collaboration. For managers and other industry professionals, learning about planning, branding and artist development can strengthen the support available to performers.
The programme is part of a wider four-city rollout. Accra follows the Nairobi edition, while Johannesburg and Lagos are scheduled for 2027. The Nairobi programme concluded with a showcase involving 25 participants after four weeks of mentorship and workshops.
A timely opportunity for young creatives
With the application deadline approaching, emerging music professionals in Accra who meet the requirements should review the official information promptly. The opportunity is particularly relevant to people who want to develop their skills, understand the business side of music and learn from established industry figures.
The involvement of Gyakie, M.anifest, Juls and the other mentors has placed a spotlight on the importance of developing the next generation of African music professionals.
For Ghana’s creative sector, the long-term value will depend on how effectively participants use the knowledge, professional connections and support they receive.
Fly FM Ghana will continue to follow developments in Ghanaian music, entertainment and the creative industry.
