Thirty-two emerging artists are set to benefit from a new season of ELEV8 Live, a local music and arts development programme aimed at helping creatives turn talent into sustainable careers.
The initiative will provide mentorship, industry access, and financial support to help artists navigate both the artistic and business sides of their work.
The first three participants for the 2026 season were revealed during a screening of the previous year’s programme documentary at Two Rivers Cinemax.
The series and its follow-up were run by NCBA through its ELEV8 Live platform, which has been working to equip creatives with the tools they need to build viable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, NCBA Group Director Marketing, Communication & Citizenship, Nelly Wainaina, said, “Our investment in the creative economy is grounded by our Ignite Belief-Ubuntu Spirit mission, which recognizes that individual success is interconnected with community prosperity.”
“We see creatives not only as artists but as entrepreneurs, employers, storytellers, and economic contributors capable of driving inclusive growth across Kenya,” she added.
ELEV8 Live combines studio access, mentorship, financial literacy training, and media exposure, providing young artists with both creative and business skills.
In a sector increasingly seen as a route to youth employment, the programme aims to make talent sustainable rather than just visible.
Founder and CEO of ELEV8 Live, Motif Di Don, added, “ELEV8 Live is about building sustainable careers. The next season builds on what we have learned, ensuring creatives have not just talent and exposure, but the financial tools needed to thrive.”
The 2025 documentary reflected on the programme’s impact and set the stage for 2026, which promises deeper mentorship, stronger industry collaboration, and continued access to financial empowerment solutions.