Tusker has officially unveiled the final six artists selected for its ambitious music accelerator, Base to Billboardz (B2B).
The initiative, led by celebrated musician Bien-Aimé Baraza, aims to transform promising local talent into globally competitive acts through structured mentorship, exposure, and collaboration.
After weeks of auditions, public voting, and expert evaluation, the six artists chosen to form the inaugural 2026 cohort are Muringi Matheri, Manasseh Shalom, Zawadi Mukami, Chris Barr, Peter Njuguna, and Ras Amor. Each brings a unique sound and identity, reflecting the diversity of Kenya’s contemporary music landscape.
Unlike traditional music competitions that focus on crowning a single winner, Base to Billboardz is designed as a long-term career accelerator. The programme shifts the focus from short-lived fame to sustainable artistry, equipping participants with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and globalised music industry.
The six finalists will now embark on a six-month intensive programme, where they will undergo weekly training sessions covering key aspects of the music business. These include vocal coaching, songwriting, performance skills, branding, marketing, and digital distribution.
In addition to technical training, the artists will gain access to industry networks, studio time, and performance opportunities, resources that are often out of reach for emerging acts.
The selected cohort reflects a careful balance of genres, styles, and artistic identities:
- Muringi Matheri – A soulful storyteller whose music blends Afro-fusion with introspective lyricism.
- Manasseh Shalom – Known for his gospel-influenced sound and smooth vocal delivery.
- Zawadi Mukami – An Afro-soul artist bringing a fresh, alternative edge to the scene.
- Chris Barr – A commercially appealing Afro-pop and R&B artist with strong hit potential.
- Peter Njuguna – A versatile and experimental artist pushing genre boundaries.
- Ras Amor – A reggae and Afro-fusion act rooted in conscious, message-driven music.
This diversity is central to the programme’s vision, ensuring that the final output resonates with a wide audience both locally and internationally.
Tusker’s B2B initiative specifically targets what it calls “almost famous” artists—musicians who have already built a foundation but are yet to break into mainstream or global success.
To qualify, artists were required to have released at least one EP or album, achieved significant streaming numbers, and demonstrated a growing fanbase. This approach ensures that the programme invests in talent that already has momentum but needs strategic support to scale.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between potential and global success,” Tusker representatives noted during the unveiling. “Kenya has incredible talent, but many artists lack the structure and support needed to compete internationally.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Base to Billboardz is its emphasis on collaboration rather than competition. Instead of competing against each other, the six artists will work together as a collective.
By the end of the programme, they are expected to produce and release a joint album, showcasing their individual strengths while creating a cohesive body of work.
For the six selected artists, the stakes are high. The programme offers a platform that could significantly elevate their careers—but it also comes with expectations to deliver and grow.
With the cohort now confirmed, the focus shifts to the next phase of the programme. Over the coming months, audiences can expect:
- Behind-the-scenes content documenting the artists’ journey
- Collaborative projects and live performances
- The eventual release of a collective album
There is also anticipation around potential international collaborations, which could further amplify the programme’s impact.
