Category: Rise Fund
-
What actually happens after an independent artist wins the Rise Fund grant? Beyond the announcement and the celebration, lies the real work. In this article, Josplay Rise Fund Volume 1 winner, Rheed 1 takes us behind the scenes of his post-funding journey. He breaks down how he spent the grant, how it transformed his career,…
-
Music grants are available, but many independent artists in Africa and around the world still face difficulties not because the grants don’t exist, but because they often lack guidance on where to find them, how to get funding as an independent artist, or how to pitch themselves effectively. To tackle that challenge, this article explores…
-
The Josplay Rise Fund is truly unique. It goes beyond rewarding just the top winners by intentionally extending the spotlight to other artists who took the time to apply, giving them a platform to be heard through the Raw and Rising playlist. What is the Raw and Rising playlist? The Raw and Rising playlist is…
-
The talent emerging from the African music industry today is incredible, but talent doesn’t pay for mixing, mastering, or marketing. It’s draining trying to establish a path as an independent artist without substantial financial resources or industry connections, which is why so many outstanding records go unheard because they lack the necessary support systems…
-
Josplay launched the Rise Fund in July 2025, to empower independent African artists. The Rise Fund provides financial support and strategic marketing to help emerging African artists understand the industry and build lasting careers. With a proven history of growth and impact, this empowerment program has so far increased streams and reach for over…
-
Josplay has announced the 2026 recipients of its Josplay Rise Fund. The company will provide $1,000 in structured development support to three emerging African artists selected through this year’s programme. This year’s beneficiaries are Kiria (Kenya), who receives $500; Elprezido (Nigeria), awarded $300; and Donboydml (Nigeria), awarded $200. The annual initiative is positioned as an…
-
Applications for the Josplay Artist Rise Fund 2 officially closed on 14 January, drawing submissions from independent artists across multiple African countries. With the application window now shut, the programme has moved into its final and most critical phase: judging. Entries are currently being reviewed by a panel comprising Josplay’s internal team and an external…
-
Josplay has opened submissions for Rise Fund Vol. 2, the second edition of its artist growth initiative. The company said the programme targets African independent artists who are already building their careers and are ready to scale beyond their local scenes. Focus on structure, not virality Josplay explained that the initiative is not a talent…
-
Josplay recently hosted a focused and practical webinar titled “From Music to Merch: Building Your Fashion Brand as an African Artist.” The session brought together two industry voices with real field experience: Chinedu Bright – Creative Director & Artist Manager Abu Christopher – Founder, 1606 Clothing The conversation examined what it truly takes for African…
-
In Lagos, where the city’s music scene often prizes spectacle over substance, Rheed1, born Raheem Rilwan Tobiloba, has carved out a place for himself through persistence and faith. With no label backing and no industry machinery at his disposal, he has built a career piece by piece, powered by resilience and conviction. That resilience is…