Gyakie, M.anifest and Juls are among the mentors lined up for the Accra edition of Martell Swift Academy, a free talent development programme for emerging music creatives that is now taking applications until Friday, 6 November.
Martell announced the Accra edition in a post on X on 27 October, describing it as “a dedicated platform built to elevate the next wave of Ghanaian music talent through mentorship, creative acceleration, and transformative industry connections.” The cognac house said it was looking for artists, producers, songwriters, DJs, managers, creative directors and other music creatives based in Accra who are “actively building”.
As reported by Citi Newsroom and Graphic Online, the programme is curated by Africa House and comes to Accra after an inaugural edition in Nairobi, which brought together 25 emerging creatives and professionals. Applying and taking part are both free, although terms and conditions apply.
Alongside Juls (DJ and producer), Gyakie and M.anifest, the mentor list includes manager and music executive Therese Ohemaa Akua Jones and Maxwell Adjevon, the music journalist, event curator and founder of iMullar. Selected participants will receive professional tools, direct mentorship, access to a network of peers and collaborators, and a grant, with practical workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions also planned.
According to the programme page on Martell’s website, the grant can go towards music video production, distribution and marketing, equipment or travel for performances, while participants also get a digital toolkit, weekly studio sessions and access to a cultural hub. The page lists a welcome mixer on 22 November, a panel discussion on 24 November, one-on-one mentor sessions on 25 November and a workshop day on 27 November, with a closing showcase still to be confirmed. Applicants will need to show an existing project, release or initiative they are developing.
Accra is the second city on the academy’s African tour, with Johannesburg and Lagos listed for 2027. YFM Accra was among those spreading the word on Friday morning, in a post on X calling on music creatives and professionals to apply.
The announcement caps a busy week for Martell in Ghanaian creative circles, coming days after the brand unveiled Afrobeats bottles designed by Ghanaian artist Prince Gyasi.
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