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By Zika Bobby
United States-based strategist and investor, Isaac Uzoije, has launched a ₦105 million talent initiative aimed at discovering, financing and developing emerging African artists into sustainable global careers.
The platform, Empire Star, will provide funding, professional management, recording opportunities, international mentorship and global exposure for young creatives across singing, rapping, dancing and other performance arts.
Uzoije, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of Business and Strategic Partnerships of the platform, said the initiative was conceived to address structural barriers that often prevent talented African creatives from building viable international careers.
“Africa has no shortage of talent. What is missing is the structure, investment and international access required to turn raw talent into sustainable global careers.
“Empire Star is built to bridge that gap. Our goal is not simply to discover winners, but to help build the next generation of creative stars,” he said.
The competition targets African creatives aged between 15 and 35, with registration opening on September 15.
According to Uzoije, the top five contestants will share a ₦105 million prize pool, in addition to career-development opportunities.
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The overall winner will receive N50 million, a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a United States recording contract, music video production, full management, international media tour and publicity campaign.
The first runner-up will receive N25 million alongside recording and management support and international exposure, while the second runner-up will get N15 million with strategic management and media support.
The fourth and fifth-place contestants will receive N10 million and N5 million respectively.
Uzoije said the initiative was deliberately structured to go beyond the conventional talent competition model by focusing on building careers after contestants emerge from the programme.
He said Empire Star was also engaging corporate organisations in banking, telecommunications, automotive and media sectors for partnerships involving brand placement and digital activations.
According to him, the partnerships would provide companies with opportunities to connect with Africa’s youth market while providing additional support for emerging creative talent.
The initiative, he said, ultimately seeks to combine talent discovery with financing, professional management and international industry access to enable African artists compete in the global entertainment market.
