Martell Swift Academy launches in Kenya as UK’s FAC Step Up Fund opens
Martell debuts its Swift Academy in Kenya for emerging African talent, and the Featured Artists Coalition opens applications for its Amazon Music-backed Step Up Fund in the UK.
Two separate initiatives aimed at supporting emerging musicians have been announced: one by a UK music-industry body, the other by a global cognac brand expanding its work in Africa.
UK: FAC Step Up Fund returns with Amazon Music
The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) has opened applications for the fifth year of its Step Up Fund, delivered in partnership with Amazon Music. The fund will award grants of up to £8,000 each to 10 independent artists based in the United Kingdom, alongside mentoring and promotional support from Amazon Music.
The selected artists for this year’s cohort are:
- Alt Blk Era
- anaiis
- Ashaine White
- Cowboy Hunters
- Deela
- happydaze
- Jords
- Leonie Biney
- Olympia Vitalis
- Y U QT
Kenya: Martell Swift Academy for African talent
In Kenya, the cognac house Martell has introduced the Swift Academy, a new program designed to support emerging musicians across Africa. The initiative, created in partnership with Africa House, will offer masterclasses, mentorship and a community network for artists building careers in the music industry.
The Swift Academy continues a four-year program of African music and culture activities run by Martell.
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