As the Afrobeats genre continues to soar globally, there’s a growing recognition that the music industry needs a robust platform to nurture raw talent, foster innovation, and preserve the cultural integrity of its sound. In this context, many industry insiders are calling for the return of MTN Project Fame, Africa’s pioneering music reality competition, which has long been hailed as the continent’s first music academy.
Launched in 2008, MTN Project Fame brought together talented singers from across Africa, offering them the opportunity to train, perform, and receive professional music industry mentorship. Over the years, the show produced stars like Iyanya, Chidinma, and Praiz, who have since become major players in the global music scene. Despite its success and the clear impact it had on shaping Afrobeats’ early years, the show was eventually discontinued, leaving a void in the African music landscape.
Now, with Afrobeats rapidly becoming a dominant force in global music—thanks to artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems—the need for a dedicated music academy to groom the next generation of talent has never been more pressing. According to music industry experts, Project Fame’s legacy was more than just a talent show—it was an incubator for creativity, discipline, and skill development.
A Need for Industry-Ready Talent
Afrobeats is no longer a niche genre; it is a global cultural movement. With its infectious rhythms and vibrant melodies, the genre has garnered international acclaim, crossing borders and topping charts in countries from the United States to the United Kingdom. Yet, despite its success, the genre still faces challenges such as a lack of formal music education, inadequate artist development programs, and limited opportunities for young talents to hone their craft.
“Afrobeats has grown exponentially, but there is still a gap in the training and preparation of young artists,” says music producer and A&R specialist, David “D’Tunes” Adedeji. “MTN Project Fame offered a rare opportunity for talents to not only showcase their voices but to receive professional training in music, stagecraft, and business. It was an academy that turned passion into polished skill, and we need it back.”
The Role of Music Academies in Shaping Global Sound
The importance of music academies in nurturing talent cannot be overstated. In the West, institutions like the Berklee College of Music in the United States and the Royal Academy of Music in the UK have produced a long line of influential musicians and songwriters. Their alumni continue to shape pop, jazz, rock, and classical music. For Afrobeats to maintain its upward trajectory and sustain its authenticity, having an institution that educates, mentors, and produces well-rounded artists is critical.
Nigerian music journalist, Emeka Oparah, echoes these sentiments: “The success of Afrobeats globally is undeniable, but we have yet to see the kind of structured programs that train artists not just in their craft, but in understanding the business of music. A revival of Project Fame would offer a solid foundation for future generations of artists.”
The Impact of Project Fame: Beyond Talent
MTN Project Fame was not just a platform for discovering singers; it was a holistic training ground that developed performers in every aspect of the music industry. From voice coaching to songwriting, choreography, and even media relations, the show provided an immersive education that many up-and-coming artists lacked.
For example, season two winner Iyanya went on to become an international star, signing deals with global labels and becoming a role model for aspiring musicians. Similarly, Chidinma, whose victory in the competition helped her rise to prominence, has enjoyed a fruitful career and recently transitioned into acting, showcasing the versatile skill set fostered by the academy-style approach of Project Fame.
A Call for Revival
As the spotlight continues to shine on Afrobeats, the absence of a formalized music academy remains a glaring gap in the development of African music talent. Many believe that now is the time to bring back MTN Project Fame—not just as a reality show, but as an institution that can serve as the foundation for the next generation of global music icons.
Afrobeat star, Adekunle Gold, put it simply: “The future of Afrobeats lies in the hands of the young artists we choose to invest in today. An academy like Project Fame can help turn dreams into reality.”
With the right support and investment, a revival of MTN Project Fame could reignite a new era of music education in Africa, empowering young talents to go beyond their natural abilities and become industry leaders. As the genre’s impact grows, so too does the urgency for creating a sustainable pipeline of world-class artists who can take Afrobeats to even greater heights.
MTN Project Fame might have faded from our screens, but its legacy continues to inspire a vision for Afrobeats’ future—one that is built on a foundation of education, excellence, and artistic integrity.
source: thenet.ng