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TALENT SEARCH: Mr. Eazi

DAYS AFTER the release of Mr Eazi’s mixtape Life Is Eazi - Vol.2: Lagos To London the Afropop star launched ‘emPawa’’ within Africa - a new initiative set up with one goal; finding the continents next batch of superstars.

The mission is simple, to uncover independent, emerging, talented artists and to provide them with the resources and exposure to launch their own careers.

By partnering up with key figures in the music scene, Eazi intends to equip the artists with the tools, in-depth industry knowledge, network contacts and the funds to enable candidates to not only achieve their full potential but to also give them the independence to become music entrepreneurs. emPawa is inspired by tech accelerators like 88mph.ac and 440.ng, which Eazi participated in back in 2014.

Speaking on the programme, Mr. Eazi said: “All it took for me to start my career was a video that cost me $1000; a career that has allowed me to tour the world, own a business and employ over 100 people inhouse and outhouse.

"I have funded four videos for artists in the past two years which has created immense opportunities for them. One of those artists was recently nominated for a BET award so this is ultimately the real motivation behind this cause - providing opportunities for emerging artists as well as mentoring them to have the knowledge to become music entrepreneurs like myself”.

HOW IT WORKS

Candidates will be encouraged to submit their work online via Instagram, to be considered and evaluated by Eazi and industry experts. The deadline for submissions is Saturday December 15 2018 and Mr Eazi will then pick 100 artists who will each receive a grant of $3000US.

This funding will be used to produce 100 music videos with a production crew across Africa. From the 100 finalists, 10 will then be picked to fly to South Africa with Mr Eazi to partake in a 3-week incubator programme mentored by popstar Raye and renowned producer Diplo amongst other keys names within the industry. Candidates will also have the opportunity to record their song in a state-of-the-art recording studio and will shoot their video with a professional film crew.

From these 10 finalists, a further few will be selected by Mr Eazi to perform at ‘Ghana Party in the Park’ in London (2019). These artists will take to the stage alongside Eazi and other superstars. This initiative comes from the strong belief that there is wealth in undiscovered talent.

The idea is that with the right collaboration, investment, and experience a handful of artists will have the opportunity to gain exposure and guidance to break into the music industry. In the near future, Eazi aims to open this programme to candidates across the UK and the US.

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