Behind the Scenes: Transfast Africa engaging Talented African Artists

Have you noticed that some of the biggest name sponsors for music festivals have been money transfer corporations like Western Union andMoneygram? Is this a trend, and what does this mean for Africa’s next generation of music talents?

We (determine if someone’s name should be here) went behind the scenes of one such festival called Afrobeat Showcase to find out why a company like Transfastwas sponsoring 4 of the 33 artists featured at the concert – Rhoyaleson, M.O.G, NiomieLuvvand Missy Prince.

Considering the artists themselves, it is not difficult to imagine why NiomieLuvv or the Nigerian duo M.O.G could not become the next hottest acts on the international music scenes. Their performances at Afrobeat Showcase were nothing short of electrifying. The Sierra Leonean girl wonder Missy Prince also hyped the audiences with her slick rap lyrics especially with her single called ‘Squad Goals’. You couldn’t have missed her unmistakable NYC swag influences, and despite strong Sierra Leonean music hints.

But music aside, Transfast’s Global Marketing Director explained that TransfastAfrica is focused on working withyoung Africansbecause they will be the engine of global economic growth in the coming decades. The highly acclaimed Nigerian Entertainer DJ Zimo is just one of the recent African artists to have collaborated with Transfast as part of Nigeria’s 55 Independence anniversary celebrations in New York City.

“For us [Transfast], it is important to continuously find ways of engaging with the millions of young Africans. The demographics show that Africa is the youngest continent and this platform we have provided for upcoming talents is just one of our projects for young people. Africans are amazing with lots of motivation and resourcefulness and it is our intention to find ways of helping these talents to develop so that they may fully contribute in the global economy” said JayVix.

Indeed, the company must be serious about engaging with Africans as RemitRight.com has recently judged Transfast Africa as offering the best online rates for cross-border money transfer services.

According to the World Bank, Africa has almost 200 million people aged between 15 and 24, making it the youngest continent. That population is expected to double by 2050 making Africa a critical source of the global labor and consumer markets in coming decades. So yes, young Africa can expect to continue seeing major companies like Western Union wooing its young population and markets.

NiyiFatogun of Vibesland Entertainment, which promoted the first Annual AfrobeatShowcase is already optimistic about the future:

“As I am speaking to you I can confirm that I have already received phone calls from other big names who want to partner with us for next year’s show. This platform is shaping up to be a force for emerging talent and I am happy to see there’s a bright future in what we are doing.”

With no shortage of musical talents coming from the African diaspora perhaps the popular narrative that ‘Africa is Rising’ holds weight when one thinks of new platforms for the next generation of African artists like Afrobeat Showcase. Either way, we will be closely following the progress of these four artists and we will let you know which one of them becomes the first to break out of the pack.

 Featured Afrobeat Showcase Artists:

M.O.G is a Nigerian group consisting of Master E and K. Breezy.Masta E is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and Breezy K is an accomplished break dancer. Both started their musical careers in their church choirs and have performed in Boston, Ohio, Ottawa, Canada, Toronto, Canada, New York etc.

 Layziadiah Horace better known asNiomieLuvv is a Liberian-born neo soul sensation, who is winning the hearts and souls of fans wherever she goes. At the age of 17 Niomie began composing and singing her own songs and eventually fell in love with the Soul. She counts artists like India Arie and Jill Scott as critical in her musical development.

 Missy Princeis a New York City-based Sierra Leonean MC and entertainer. She is better known as Princess From Your Excellencies Dancersand has transitioned from dancing to rapping. Missy Prince impressed the crowds at Afrobeat Showcase and is one of the hottest acts you should keep an eye out for.

Rhoyalesonis a New York-based rapper, DJ and songwriter who studied at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. Rhoyaleson has impressed fans since making an appearance on the musical scene and has featured in acclaimed collaborations with artists like Sean Tizzle, PLU and Chief Dejjy.