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 contest designed to chase viral moments. Instead, it focuses on structured artist development.

Speaking on the programme, the Project Lead for the Rise Fund, Blessing Tenumah, said the platform designed the initiative for artists who already take their work seriously.

“Rise Fund is structured like an artist development sprint,” she said. “It is for musicians who have moved past the ‘upcoming’ label and want to sharpen their craft, grow their audience, and work with intention.”

Lessons from the first edition

Ms Tenumah recalled that the first edition of the programme ended in August. She said Rheed1 emerged as the winner.

According to her, Josplay applied the Rise Fund support to the public relations and post-production of his second single, Solo. She added that the support helped improve the project’s rollout and visibility.

Who the programme targets

This year’s edition runs under the theme ‘Raise Your Voice. Raise Your Craft.’

Ms Tenumah said Josplay is targeting three categories of artists. These include musicians with strong releases but limited industry access. It also includes artists with raw talent who lack structure. In addition, the programme seeks cultural specialists pushing indigenous or alternative African sounds.

She noted that these sounds often struggle for space on mainstream radio.

Not a cash grant

Ms Tenumah clarified that the Rise Fund does not provide cash payments to artists.

Instead, Josplay works directly with selected artists to fund and execute approved marketing and growth plans. She said the total support value stands at $1,000, shared across three artists.

The platform applies the funds directly to promotion, content production, and other music-related services.

Additional benefits for artists

Beyond funding, selected artists will receive editorial playlist placement on Josplay. They will also feature in the platform’s Africa Rising artist spotlight series.

In addition, Josplay will support them with media exposure and branded merchandise designed for fan engagement.

Ms Tenumah added that standout female applicants will join Josplay’s Women in Music Hall of Fame. She said beneficiaries will also gain access to inclusive programmes for female musicians, including the Women in Music Conference scheduled for 2026.

Transparency and access

Josplay said transparency remains a major focus of this year’s edition.

According to the platform, all submissions receive editorial consideration, whether or not the artists win. Non-winning artists will still gain access to playlist consideration, post-campaign growth sessions, and future opportunities on the platform.

Application details

Submissions for Rise Fund Vol. 2 open on 15 December 2025. The application window closes on 14 January 2026.

Interested artists can apply through josplayrisefund.org.
For press inquiries, Josplay can be reached via blessing@josplay.com
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