Investor unveils N105m talent pipeline for young Africans
US-based investor Isaac Ejike Uzoije has launched Empire Star, a ₦105 million talent development platform for young African creatives. The initiative aims to provide structured career management and international exposure to performers aged 15 to 35.
Why it matters
It addresses the structural gap in the African creative industry by providing professional mentorship and funding to help local talent compete on a global scale.
United States-based strategist and investor Chief Isaac Ejike Uzoije has unveiled Empire Star, a ₦105 million talent development platform designed to take young African creatives, including singers, rappers and dancers, to the global stage.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations in Lagos, Empire Star combines talent discovery with professional management, US recording contracts and international exposure. The initiative is designed to move beyond the traditional talent-show model by providing emerging creatives with structured career development and access to global markets.
Nationwide registration opens on September 15, 2026, for performers aged 15 to 35, ahead of digital auditions scheduled for January 2027. The competition will culminate in a grand showcase, with the overall winner receiving a ₦50 million cash prize and an overseas media tour.
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