EWA (Entertainment Week Africa) 2025 has introduced two landmark initiatives designed to accelerate African music’s global reach — the EWA SoundLab and the EWA Music Market. Both programs aim to connect African creators with international opportunities and strengthen the continent’s creative economy.
EWA SoundLab: A Hub for Global Collaboration
At the core of EWA 2025 is the SoundLab, a week-long creative residency in Lagos from November 13–20, 2025. It will unite Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producers, songwriters, and engineers to craft more than 50 original song demos.
Featured collaborators include Pheelz, Andre Vibez, Trill Xoe, Druminem, Zichy, Denny, Salima Chica, Sunkey Daniel, Raool, Firefly, and Saurabh Lakonde. Together, they will merge global production techniques with authentic African sound.
The residency will conclude with a live listening event, featuring audience feedback and song placement opportunities. Moreover, it will produce the EWA SoundLab Music Album, a compilation that showcases both emerging and established African artists. The project is set for global release in 2026.
EWA Music Market: Creating Fairer Industry Access
Meanwhile, the Music Market debuts as Africa’s first curated deal-making platform for artists, rights holders, and global partners. This “relationship-first marketplace” encourages one-on-one meetings, live showcases, and structured negotiations.
Additionally, it connects African artists directly with record labels, publishers, sync agencies, distributors, and investors. As a result, it opens doors to fairer contracts and sustainable revenue models for emerging talent.
Together, the SoundLab and Music Market aim to close the gap between African creativity and global industry infrastructure. Ultimately, they will drive growth, visibility, and long-term investment in Africa’s booming music scene.
“African Music Is Setting the Global Pace” — Dare Art Alade
“African music is not just breaking through — it’s setting the pace,” said Dare Art Alade, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Livespot360.
“With SoundLab and the Music Market, EWA is promoting collaboration, creative excellence, and fair access to global opportunities. For too long, the world has admired African sound without investing in its foundation. We’re shifting from appreciation to active investment in the people and systems shaping this global movement.”
About Entertainment Week Africa (EWA)
Entertainment Week Africa is the continent’s leading platform celebrating the business and culture of entertainment. With over 53,000 attendees, 240 speakers, and a ₦313 million digital reach, it is one of Africa’s largest creative summits.
Each year, EWA brings together top voices across music, film, tech, fashion, and culture for five days of live experiences and industry dialogue. Through its signature programs — the SoundLab, Music Market, and creative residencies — EWA continues to connect African talent with the global entertainment industry.
