The American Music Mentorship Programme’s goal of leveraging mentorship and networking to forge a global creative economy can become a catalyst for growth in the Nigerian creative industry, says Kolawole Fashola, a Nigerian creative executive and mentee who participated in Los Angeles, California.
Diving into his experience, the experienced Lagos-based exponential marketing and project execution professional highlighted the transformative impact of gaining insights into the mind of critical stakeholders and leaders in the American music ecosystem. Fashola works as Head of Operations and Business Affairs at the leading creative powerhouse, The Temple Company, and was selected among the four Nigerian creatives who attended the event.
The AMMP mentorship program brought together a cohort of 20 mid-level music professionals—producers, executives, lawyers, talent agents, and music tour and event promoters—from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria with Recording Academy experts, leveraging their knowledge and networks to expand access to economic opportunity and equity through the creative economy. International mentees and their American mentors are expected to continue to engage virtually throughout the year, working together to strengthen their local music industries and contribute to the local, regional, and global creative economies.
Sharing his experience, Kolawole Fashola, who possesses vast experience in live event execution, said, “Participating in the American Music Mentorship program has been a transformative experience, allowing me to connect with incredible global creative industry leaders who provided us with invaluable insights into the music industry. As a creative actively involved in the execution of event projects and productions, I am excited to leverage my new learnings to contribute to our vibrant musical landscape in Nigeria.
Kolawole Fashola said, “The training also afforded me a front-row view of the inner workings of the American music industry as well as networking among different verticals. This was enriched with visits to places such as the Recording Academy office, Grammys Museum, Google Headquarters, and Creative Artists Agency among others. Indeed, AMMP is empowering international music industry professionals like me by bringing us to the United States for mentorship and networking opportunities, with the aim of cultivating a professional, local music industry ecosystem to support creative talent and to strengthen the creative economy globally.
A statement from Matthew Miller, Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State, noted further that the initiative is a deliverable of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative with a focus on relevant subject matter such as intellectual property rights and the impact of artificial intelligence. This is enriched by a dedicated forum on women in the music industry.
“It is part of a broader Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, launched by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in September 2023 to promote peace and democracy through music. The initiative also supports broader U.S. foreign policy goals to expand access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and societal inclusion,” the statement read.
Instructors, Mentors and guest speakers at the program include;
Paul Tollett, President/CEO, Goldenvoice and co-founder of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Becky Gardenhire
Co-Head and Agent at William Morris Endeavour (WME), Judy Tint, Clinical Associate Professor of Music Business at NYU Steinhardt, Gina Chavez
Grammy Award Nominee & Performing Artist, Rafa Sardina, 19-time Grammy® & Latin Grammy® Winner, Producer/Mixer/Engineer and Producer Walter Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of A&, Sony Music Publishing (SMP).
Others are Nicole Elkon, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Professional and Cultural Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Kelley Purcell, Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations for the Recording Academy® and Nora Gordon, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, American Music Abroad, U.S. Department of State.
In addition, remarks were also received from Harvey Mason Jr, CEO, Recording Academy, Ruby Marchand, Chief Awards and Global Industry Officer at the Recording Academy, Lee Satterfield, Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and Nicole Elkon, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.