Abuja: Maria Stallone, the Director of Programmes at American Voices, has described as ‘mind-blowing’ the quality of young talents in the Nigerian music space. Stallone shared her insights during the third edition of the Youth Excellence on Stage (YES) Academy Nigeria programme, emphasizing the potential of these talents to take the world by storm.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the academy has empowered numerous artists, positioning Nigerian music more prominently on the global music map. This edition of YES Academy Nigeria brought together young artists in Abuja to showcase their skills and creativity, underscoring the transformative impact of the initiative.
Stallone elaborated on the academy’s focus, highlighting its role in providing intensive workshops in music, songwriting, and branding. She emphasized the programme’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence and promoting cross-cultural collaboration in Nigeria. The YES Academy Nigeria 2025 Project Showcase is part of a global initiative that unites performing artists worldwide.
The American Voices director noted that the YES Academy boasts over 7,000 alumni globally, with Nigeria now participating for the third time. The programme gathers young singers, songwriters, musicians, rappers, and producers, offering them a platform to collaborate, build confidence, and explore opportunities in the music industry. Stallone expressed her belief in the extraordinary potential of Nigerian talents to achieve international acclaim.
Jessica Bongos, the Project Coordinator for YES Academy Nigeria, described the academy as a ‘music exchange programme’ initiated by American Voices. This American organization facilitates an environment where musicians can learn about music and the art of collaboration, fostering connectivity and creating opportunities for empowerment and networking among participants.
Bongos added that the programme, held annually, creates a supportive alumni network and provides opportunities within the music industry. YES Academy operates in multiple countries, with Nigeria being one of its key participants. The third edition of the YES Academy was sponsored by the United States.