Mdundo, MTN Foundation host biz masterclass for emerging musicians

  Mdundo .com has partnered with the MTN Foundation to host a dynamic business masterclass for first- and second-year students of the MUSON School of Music. The event, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, was themed “Business Models Every Student Musician Should Know.” It forms part of a broader initiative to equip Africa’s next […]

 

Mdundo .com has partnered with the MTN Foundation to host a dynamic business masterclass for first- and second-year students of the MUSON School of Music.

The event, held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, was themed “Business Models Every Student Musician Should Know.”

It forms part of a broader initiative to equip Africa’s next generation of musicians with practical tools for commercializing their talent and building sustainable careers.

Led by Sowari Akosionu, Chief Marketing Officer at Mdundo, the session introduced students to a range of income-generating opportunities, including live performances, teaching, session work, and digital streaming, particularly through platforms like Mdundo .com, which are tailored to Nigeria’s music economy.

Sowari encouraged students to move beyond conventional approaches and embrace innovation in music creation and distribution.

A standout topic was the emergence of Afroclassical—a genre that blends classical music structures with African rhythms, languages, and traditional instruments. This fusion offers artists a culturally rich and commercially viable canvas for original expression.

“Talent alone isn’t enough. In today’s music industry, sustainability comes from strategy, digital access, and cultural authenticity,” Sowari emphasized.

“At Mdundo, we’re passionate about equipping creatives with the tools and insights they need to turn passion into profit, starting as early as possible.”

The masterclass also explored how Mdundo is reshaping music monetization through strategic partnerships with leading telecom providers across Africa.

Collaborations with MTN, Airtel, Glo, Vodacom, and Safaricom enable millions of users to access music bundles, allowing artists to earn directly from data-powered distribution.

Students received valuable guidance on accessing funding through local and international grants, scholarships, and creative support organizations.

The session highlighted the importance of professionalism, documentation, and community engagement in attracting long-term support.

The MTN Foundation provides full scholarships to participating MUSON students and continues to play a vital role in nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent.