Meet the mentors for the Accra edition of Martell Swift Academy

Applications are now open for the Accra edition of Martell Swift Academy, the pan-African talent development platform created by Martell and curated by Africa House to support emerging music creatives and professionals through mentorship, practical development, industry access and collaboration.

At the heart of the Accra edition is a mentor network bringing together experts from different parts of the music and creative industries. From music production and artist development to visual storytelling, management, media, communications and cultural entrepreneurship, each mentor brings a distinct perspective on what it takes to build, navigate and sustain a career within Africa’s evolving music ecosystem.

Juls – DJ, Producer and Songwriter

British-Ghanaian DJ, producer and songwriter Juls is widely recognised as an influential figure in the evolution of contemporary African music. He has worked with artists including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Lauryn Hill, Stormzy and Sauti Sol, while his own projects bring together Afrobeats, highlife, R&B, house and other global influences.

He brings participants a perspective spanning music production, collaboration, creative identity and building a career across markets.

Gyakie – Singer and Songwriter

Gyakie is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter and one of the standout voices in Africa’s new generation of artists. Known for her blend of Afrobeats, R&B and Ghanaian highlife, she gained international recognition with her breakout single “Forever” and has since built a strong pan-African and global profile.

Her journey offers participants first-hand insight into artist development, audience building and navigating the transition from emerging talent to an international career.

M.anifest – Rapper, Songwriter and Producer

M.anifest (Kwame Ametepee Tsikata) is an award winning Ghanaian rapper, songwriter and producer celebrated for his sharp lyricism, multilingual wordplay and fusion of hip hop with African sounds. After a decade in the US, he returned to Ghana, where he developed his distinctive global sound.

A multiple Ghana Music Awards winner, he has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Damon Albarn, Erykah Badu, Tony Allen and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, establishing himself as one of Ghana’s most influential and internationally recognised hip hop artists.

Therese Ohemaa Akua Jones – Artist Manager and Music Executive

Therese Ohemaa Akua Jones is a Ghanaian music executive and artist manager with experience spanning brand marketing, artist development and creative strategy.

As manager to Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY, she has played a key role in shaping the artist’s positioning and international growth. Her experience gives participants practical insight into artist management, career strategy, brand building and developing African talent for global audiences.

Maxwell Adjavon – Music Journalist, Event Curator and Founder, iMullar

Maxwell Adjavon is the Founder of iMullar, an Accra-based music and culture platform championing emerging African artists and new sounds.

Through its editorial, music discovery and events platforms, iMullar has created opportunities for emerging artists and DJs while contributing to Ghana’s evolving music ecosystem. Maxwell brings a perspective spanning music discovery, cultural storytelling, artist development and building platforms for emerging talent.

Beyond mentorship

Martell Swift Academy is designed to bring participants into direct contact with people who understand the realities of building careers across the music ecosystem.

Selected participants in the Accra edition will take part in practical learning, mentorship, industry access and collaboration, while gaining access to professional development support and a wider network of peers and industry practitioners.

The programme will also create opportunities for participants to apply what they have learned, develop their work and build relationships that can support their continued growth beyond the Academy.

Applications for the Accra edition of Martell Swift Academy open on 27th  October and close on 6th November 2026.

Apply at: https://tally.so/r/jea0g1

For more information visit: https://www.martell.com/en/swift-academy-accra/

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