Afrofuture and WatsUp TV launch campus talent hunt to discover Ghana’s next music stars
Afrofuture, in partnership with WatsUp TV, has launched the Afrofuture Rising Star on Campus, a nationwide music talent discovery initiative aimed at unearthing and nurturing student musicians across Ghana's tertiary institutions.
The programme, which runs from July through to October 2025, forms part of the broader WatsUp on Campus tour and will provide aspiring student artistes with a unique platform to showcase their talent before their peers and a panel of industry professionals.
According to organisers, at each participating campus, shortlisted student artistes will audition, with the top five performers earning the opportunity to perform live on the main WatsUp stage during the event.
Universities confirmed for this year’s edition include the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Media Arts and Communication (GIJ), Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), Koforidua Technical University (KTU), the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Sunyani Technical University (STU), and the University of Ghana (Legon).
The campus competition feeds into the wider Afrofuture Rising Star Challenge 2025, which will culminate in December. Finalists will receive mentorship, professional training, and performance slots under The Continent Live, an initiative that supports emerging creatives on the continent.
Top campus performers will automatically secure a place among the final 12 contestants for the international Afrofuture Rising Star Challenge, where they will compete for a grand prize package that includes a cash award, a single distribution deal, and a performance slot at the prestigious Afrofuture Festival.
Organisers have opened submissions for interested student artistes, who must follow three simple steps: complete an online application form via Instagram, post a one-minute video introducing themselves and their passion for the challenge using the hashtag #AFRISINGSTAR25, and tag the designated accounts including @afrofuturerisingstar, @afrofuture, @watsuponcampus, @yfm1079, and @thecontinent.live.
Describing the initiative as more than just a music competition, Afrofuture said it was “a movement to unearth the next wave of stars on the continent and amplify the voices of tomorrow’s music legends.”
