A&R Academy Opens Doors for Africa’s Next Generation of Music Professionals

The African music industry is evolving rapidly, but many aspiring professionals struggle to find the right training and industry knowledge to break through. In response, A&R Duty has launched the A&R Academy, an initiative aimed at equipping music executives, talent managers, and A&Rs with the skills they need to navigate the industry.

With courses on artist management, music distribution, talent discovery, and royalty tracking, the academy seeks to bridge the gap in professional development. The program also integrates technology, offering AI-driven talent discovery and financial management tools that help musicians and industry professionals make informed decisions.

“Our mission is to simplify and democratize access to industry-standard knowledge for everyone involved in the African music business, ensuring that aspiring and established professionals alike have the tools, insights, and training necessary to succeed,” says Omotola Slasha, Project Manager and Founding Partner of A&R Duty. “We recognize that the industry is evolving rapidly, and without proper education and access to modern resources, many talented individuals may struggle to navigate its complexities. Through the A&R Academy, we are breaking down barriers, making high-quality learning opportunities available to a wider audience, and equipping the next generation of music executives, talent managers, and A&Rs with the expertise needed to push African music to new heights.”

Over 500 professionals have already enrolled, marking a step forward in building a well-equipped workforce to sustain Africa’s growing influence in the global music scene.