Applications have opened for the Accra edition of Martell Swift Academy, a pan-African development programme supporting emerging music creatives and professionals through mentorship, practical training, industry access and collaboration.
Created by Martell and curated by Africa House, the programme has assembled mentors from across music and the wider creative industries. Their expertise covers production, artist development, visual storytelling, management, media, communications and cultural entrepreneurship.
Accra mentor line-up
British-Ghanaian DJ, producer and songwriter Juls is among the programme’s mentors. Recognised for his influence on contemporary African music, he has worked with Burna Boy, Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Lauryn Hill, Stormzy and Sauti Sol.
His own work combines Afrobeats, highlife, R&B, house and other international influences. Participants will draw on his experience of production, collaboration, creative identity and establishing a career across different markets.
Ghanaian singer-songwriter Gyakie, known for combining Afrobeats, R&B and Ghanaian highlife, will also take part. She gained international recognition through her breakout single “Forever” and has gone on to build a strong profile across Africa and beyond.
Gyakie will offer insight into developing an artist, building an audience and moving from emerging performer to international act.
M.anifest, the award-winning Ghanaian rapper, songwriter and producer, is another mentor. Born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, he is known for sharp lyricism, multilingual wordplay and a blend of hip hop and African sounds.
After spending a decade in the United States, he returned to Ghana and developed his distinctive global sound. A multiple Ghana Music Awards winner, M.anifest has worked with Damon Albarn, Erykah Badu, Tony Allen and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He is regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential and internationally recognised hip hop artists.
Therese Ohemaa Akua Jones, a Ghanaian music executive and artist manager, brings experience in brand marketing, artist development and creative strategy. As manager of Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY, she has helped shape the artist’s positioning and international growth. Her sessions will focus on management, career planning, brand development and taking African talent to global audiences.
Maxwell Adjavon, founder of Accra-based music and culture platform iMullar, completes the mentor group. Through editorial work, music discovery and events, iMullar has supported emerging African artists and DJs while contributing to Ghana’s evolving music scene.
Programme details
Those selected will receive practical learning, mentorship, professional development support, industry access and opportunities to collaborate with peers and established practitioners. They will also be able to apply their learning, develop their work and form relationships that can support their progress after the Academy.
Applications opened on 27th October and close on 6th November 2026.
Applications can be submitted at https://tally.so/r/jea0g1. Further information is available at https://www.martell.com/en/swift-academy-accra/.
Updates are also available from @martellofficial and @africahousemembersclub on Instagram.
