Lagos State Government has officially launched the African Music Next Talent Hunt, a bold new initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and promoting the next generation of music stars across the continent.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing held to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Describing the talent hunt as a strategic investment in Africa’s thriving music industry, Benson-Awoyinka noted that the initiative would offer aspiring musicians access to mentorship, exposure, and professional development through partnerships with top international music labels, including Empire.
“African Music Next is not just about performance,” she said. “It’s about giving young creatives the platform, guidance, and tools to build lasting and successful careers in music. Lagos has always been the heartbeat of Africa’s sound, and through this initiative, we are deepening our role as a catalyst for talent and cultural export.”
The Commissioner announced that the call for entries is now open and urged aspiring musicians across Africa to visit https://africanmusicnext.com to submit their applications.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, selected participants will benefit from world-class training, industry-standard production, and career support from seasoned professionals. The programme is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to strengthen its creative economy and position the state as a launchpad for African talent.
She expressed gratitude to stakeholders, local and international partners, and members of the press for their continued support of Lagos’s tourism, arts, and culture agenda.
“Every step taken by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reaffirms our commitment to investing in the creative spirit,” she added. “We remain dedicated to unlocking new paths, generating fresh ideas, and expanding opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”