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Beatchain deepens emerging market presence with West African launch of WAVVI in partnership with Tom Russell & Y’akoto, Founders of AFROSON1C X

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Beatchain, the AI-driven A&R, artist and label services platform for the independent music sector, is expanding into West Africa through a collaboration with British music entrepreneur Tom Russell & artist Y’akoto – Founders of AFROSON1C X – the music, technology and arts platform for the region. The collaboration will see the launch of WAVVI – a data-powered artist discovery and services platform aimed at deepening the infrastructure of West Africa’s music ecosystem.

Starting in Ghana, with expansion plans for Nigeria and beyond, WAVVI will provide artists, labels, A&Rs and music companies with the tools, insights and market access to connect talent from the region with global opportunities.

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The platform builds on Beatchain’s proven white label technology already in use in other fast-growing music markets such as India, bringing scalable solutions to a region with enormous creative potential and rising international influence. The news comes one year after Beatchain’s successful launch of Muzartdisco, in partnership with Radio City India, which has seen more than 20,000 artist sign-ups to date and opportunities for local acts to tour and perform in the UK.

 

Data-powered talent discovery

WAVVI allows artists to release music to streaming services, run targeted ad campaigns powered by AI, track performance and audience analytics from streaming and social media, and mix and master their tracks using smart tools that reduce costs and enhance sound quality. Its gamified leaderboard offers structured development pathways for talent, with top performers earning rewards such as distribution credits, professional production support or opportunities to perform on international stages.

 

To meet the specific needs of the West African market, WAVVI will offer locally tailored services. Emerging artists with limited resources who meet certain criteria can distribute one single per month for free, while royalty payments will be made through mobile money wallets – with over 356 million mobile money accounts in West Africa, the fastest adoption rate globally (GSMA).

For labels, A&Rs and music companies, WAVVI’s data-driven discovery and refined filtering tools make it easier to identify and engage with new artists, reflecting the diversity and abundance of talent across the West African region.

Ben Mendoza, CEO of Beatchain, added: “WAVVI marks another major step for Beatchain as we establish ourselves as the technology platform of choice for music industry partners in exciting, high growth music markets. West Africa has the talent, the audiences and the momentum – our job is to provide the technology and the infrastructure to connect them to the world. Working alongside Tom Russell & Y’akoto from AFROSON1C X, we are delivering a platform tailored to the region’s unique needs, engaging artists locally, empowering them and strengthening the broader local music ecosystem.”

 

“With much of the music industry’s future growth expected to come from emerging markets, the opportunity for local talent, global partners and future investors is incredibly exciting. Our move into West Africa is a further demonstration of the successful implementation of our expansion strategy into these markets and we look forward to accelerating this over the medium term, as we prepare to open our next investment round.”

 

Tom Russell, Co-Founder of WAVVI and AFROSON1C X, said: “West Africa is bursting with talent, but artists here don’t often have enough access to the networks and infrastructure needed to build a sustainable career in the music business – the systems to support them aren’t in place yet. With WAVVI, we’re introducing critical tools, structure and opportunities to help reach global audiences, while also laying the foundations for a stronger, fairer, more connected West African music industry. AFROSON1C X supports the same mission locally, as part of its own wider programme.”

 

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Sub-Saharan Africa – including West Africa – was the second fastest growing recorded music market globally in 2024 (+22.6%), driven by both local consumption and export success. Global recognition for artists like Rema, Tems, Burna Boy and Wizkid have helped garner international attention for the region.

Alongside WAVVI and other industry partners, AFROSON1C X is advancing its own initiatives to support the regional ecosystem, including the AFROSON1C X Festival and Industry Conference in Accra in January 2026 – a two-day event designed to showcase new talent and foster industry connections between West Africa and the global music industry. The inaugural edition will feature Nigerian duo The Cavemen as headliners. Plans are also underway for the AFROSON1C X Academy, a permanent education hub offering music and tech courses, a recording studio and partnerships with local and international institutions to support long-term artist development.

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From Lekzy’s “A Fool in April” to Parrot Mouth’s “Laugh it Off”: Albert Bondah’s Rise as a Creative Force in the comedy industry

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In Ghana’s creative arts space, talent alone is not enough. What keeps the industry moving are people who can adapt, solve problems on the spot, and hold a production together when things get uncertain. That is where a true utility player stands out. And in recent times, Albert Bondah has proven exactly why that role matters, especially with his work on “Laugh It Off” by Parrot Mouth.

Fresh off the momentum of successfully steering Lekzy De Comic’s “A Fool in April”, Albert stepped into “Laugh It Off” with both confidence and pressure. The expectations were higher this time. The audience anticipated a seamless experience. The team itself included seasoned practitioners, many with years more experience. It was not just another show. It was a test of leadership, adaptability, and execution under pressure.

And the challenges came early.

From coordinating a diverse team to managing creative differences, Laugh It Off demanded more than technical know-how. There were moments when plans had to change on short notice. Timing had to be adjusted. Resources had to be stretched. At certain points, the weight of leading experienced hands could have easily unsettled the process. But this is where Albert’s strength as a utility player became clear.

Instead of resisting the pressure, he leaned into it. Drawing from his journey across theatre, comedy, and production, Albert approached each challenge with a calm, solution-driven mindset. His experience from past productions, especially handling unpredictable situations like adverse weather in earlier shows, helped him stay grounded.

On Laugh It Off, he knew when to step in, when to delegate, and when to simply let creativity flow. More importantly, he listened. Working with experienced professionals taught him the value of collaboration at a deeper level. He understood that leadership in creative spaces is not about control, but about direction.

By blending his own ideas with the input of others, he created an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. The result was a show that felt cohesive, engaging, and well-executed.

There were lessons too. Laugh It Off reinforced the importance of preparation, but also the need to stay flexible. It highlighted the value of clear communication within a team. And above all, it showed that experience is not just about how long you have worked, but how well you can apply what you know in real time. Albert brought all of that to bear.

From his early days as a student producer at Cape FM to working across major productions in Ghana’s creative arts industry, he has built a reputation for reliability and versatility. But with Laugh It Off, he did more than just contribute; he led, adapted, and delivered under pressure.

Albert Bondah- Comedy Promoter

This is what makes him a creative utility player. He is not confined to one role. He understands the full scope of production. He can move between responsibilities without losing focus on the bigger picture. And when it matters most, he shows up with solutions, not excuses.

As the curtains closed on “Laugh It Off”, one thing became clear: the success of the show was not accidental. It was the result of experience, meeting preparation, and preparation meeting preparation.

For brands, producers, and creatives looking to execute high-quality productions, Albert Bondah represents something valuable: a dependable force behind the scenes who ensures that ideas do not just stay ideas but come to life, even in the face of challenges. In an industry that thrives on unpredictability, that kind of consistency is rare. And it is exactly why Albert continues to stand out.

 

Written by: Lord Kofi Amoabeng [Creative Writer & Digital Media Marketer]

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Haruna Rashid Yussif vrs Africa University of Communication and Business; SRC Presidential Aspirant Challenges Election Outcome

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Tension is rising within the Africa University of Communication and Business (AUCB) following a dispute involving SRC presidential aspirant Haruna Rashid Yussif, who has raised concerns over the conduct and outcome of the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections.

Haruna Rasfid Yussif, a prominent contender in the race, is reportedly contesting aspects of the electoral process, questioning both transparency and fairness. His grievances are believed to stem from irregularities observed before and during the voting process, which he argues may have influenced the final results.

According to emerging reports, sections of his campaign team have also expressed dissatisfaction, calling for a thorough review of the election procedures. While full official details remain limited, discussions circulating within student circles suggest that the matter could escalate if not addressed by university authorities.

The SRC election, a key democratic exercise within the institution, is expected to reflect the voice and choice of the student body. However, controversies such as this risk undermining confidence in the process, particularly among candidates and their supporters.

Observers note that disputes of this nature are not uncommon in student politics, but the response from university management will be critical in determining how the situation unfolds. Calls for dialogue, transparency, and possible redress mechanisms are already gaining traction.

As of now, the leadership of the Africa University of Communication and Business has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns raised by Haruna Rashid Yussif.

The coming days are expected to be decisive as stakeholders await clarity, accountability, and a resolution that preserves the integrity of student governance on campus.

The silence from authorities at the Africa University of Communication and Business is only adding to the pressure. Students across campus are beginning to ask tough questions about accountability, fairness, and whether the SRC election truly reflected the will of the people.

Student politics may often mirror national dynamics, but this situation is fast escalating beyond routine disagreement. If not addressed swiftly, it risks eroding trust in the very system meant to represent student voices.

For now, all eyes are on the university’s leadership. Will they step in to investigate and restore confidence, or allow the controversy to deepen?

One thing is clear: this isn’t just about an election anymore. It’s about credibility.

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Nigeria mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi

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Nigeria is mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi, whose passing was confirmed on Monday.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed that the actor died in his sleep on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, Akiyesi “slept and did not wake up.” He added that the late actor’s body has been placed in a morgue in the capital as the guild awaits further information from his family. The exact cause of death has not yet been made public.

Akiyesi, who began acting in the late 1990s, appeared in more than 100 movies and became known for roles in Marry Who You Love, Deadly Affair, and Desperate Ladies. Tributes have continued to pour in on social media, with colleagues and fans celebrating his impact on Nigeria’s film industry.

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