Showbiz
DMCE Launches Funding Platform for Musicians
By Adedapo Adesanya
Digital Music and Commerce Exchange Limited (DMCE) has partnered with chordCash for the unveiling of a funding platform called Orin Fund for musicians.
Orin Fund is an e-commerce marketplace holding various forms of financial products for artists across Africa.
Its first product which has the name of the fund itself is in partnership with chordCash, an American company that provides a patented technology to help artists get advances on their streaming royalties.
In three simple steps, any African artiste can acquire the funds they need for their project between 7-14 days. Within the next few months, Orin Fund is expanding its products to have other financial solutions to develop artists/labels in Africa without excluding labels/artists exit or raise funds from private investors both locally and internationally.
This innovation by DMCE aims to give artists control over their intellectual property while still providing the funds they need to stay afloat and succeed in the emerging market where funding is a huge challenge.
President of DMCE, Ms Oyinkansola Foza Fawehinmi said, “With the accelerated popularity of African music globally, it is important that we develop our structures locally to support the global expansion of our artists.
“In a continent of 1.4 billion+ people with 70 per cent of its demography under 30, intellectual property is the next gold mine of the continent with music as one of its forerunners, it is important to create a decentralized marketplace for access to funds at whatever career level for an African artiste.”
“I am excited to be working with several partners in creating unique financial solutions for each market. Chordcash has taken an early bet in the market and I am certain of its success,” she said.
Adding his input, the Chief Operating Officer of DMCE, Mr Olayinka Ezekiel said, “At DMCE, our mission is to place African creators at the centre of the entertainment value chain.
“Orin Fund is bolstered by a team with extensive finance, entertainment and media experience. Our new product approach leverages global best practice but is adapted to fit the African context and opportunity,” he added.
Mr Eric Palumbo, Head of Partner Activation & Growth Marketing at chordCash said his company “is honoured to become DMCE’s chosen partner to join their mission in empowering artists across Africa through Orin Fund. Independent African musicians will have access to funding that helps expand their global reach without having to sacrifice ownership of their music or control of their careers.
“Our data-driven funding model combined with DMCE’s expertise in intellectual property will make Orin Fund a powerful new resource available to artists looking to take the next steps in their career growth.”
Founded in 2018, DMCE is an African-focused company that is set to redefine the intellectual property valuation, collateralisation, and general monetisation of the African music space.
The firm is currently established in Ghana, Tanzania, and the USA with Nigeria as the headquarters. Through intellectual property valuation, protection, management, administration— and now funding, it gives every artist the means to thrive and own their craft.
Via Orinfund, DMCE extends this service to artists in all African countries with access to both local and international funding.
DMCE offers catalogue administration services to some of the biggest and most respected artists in Nigeria’s music industry some of which include; K1 De Ultimate, The Estate of Dagrin, Sola Allyson Obaniyi, and Premier Records, The Estate of Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
The company also see the business management of hyperlocal record labels, such as Remdel Optimum Communications which is affiliated with top gospel artists such as; Tope Alabi, Bola Are, Evangelist Bisi Alawiye, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju (aka Opelope Anointing) and Daniel Aregebesola.
DMCE’s new product, Orin Fund, will ensure that artists are covered on all grounds and made aware of their assets and bargaining power. Basically, creating a levelled playing ground for them.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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