Afrofuture, in collaboration with WatsUp TV, has officially launched Afrofuture Rising Star on Campus—a nationwide music talent discovery initiative designed to identify and nurture promising student musicians from tertiary institutions across Ghana.
Running from July to October 2025, the initiative forms a key part of the ongoing WatsUp on Campus tour. It offers aspiring student artists a powerful platform to perform in front of their peers and a panel of industry experts, providing exposure and career development opportunities.
At each selected campus, shortlisted applicants will audition, and the top five performers will earn the spotlight with a live performance on the main WatsUp stage during the event.
Confirmed institutions for the 2025 edition include:
- University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ)
- Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU)
- Koforidua Technical University (KTU)
- University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani
- University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)
- Sunyani Technical University (STU)
- University of Ghana (Legon)
The campus tour feeds into the broader Afrofuture Rising Star Challenge 2025, set to conclude in December. Finalists from the campus shows will receive mentorship, professional training, and performance opportunities under The Continent Live, a platform supporting emerging talent across Africa.
Top performers from the campus rounds will automatically qualify among the final 12 contestants for the international challenge. They will compete for a grand prize package that includes a cash award, a single distribution deal, and a coveted performance slot at the renowned Afrofuture Festival.
Student musicians interested in participating can apply by following three steps:
- Fill out an online application via Instagram
- Upload a one-minute video introducing themselves and their passion for music
- Use the hashtag #AFRISINGSTAR25 and tag the official pages:
@afrofuturerisingstar, @afrofuture, @watsuponcampus, @yfm1079, and @thecontinent.live
Afrofuture described the project as more than just a talent search, calling it “a movement to discover the next wave of African music icons and amplify the voices shaping the future of sound on the continent.”