Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Jess ETA has just emerged as the winner of the second edition of Audiomack’s Rising Star challenge. The challenge, which is held in collaboration with Afrochella, was designed to increase the visibility of artists across Africa by providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to submit their music portfolio, for a chance to be discovered by millions of users on the streaming services platform.

For the 2021 edition, over 300 artists from around the continent entered into the competition which was then narrowed down to 25 entries – shortlisted here in the Audiomack Top 25 playlist. After careful consideration of the shortlist, Jess ETA earned the first position in the competition, winning hearts with his mastery of Afro-infused R&B, Soul, Pop, and Rock. In second place was Nigerian Afropop singer, Headiess and Cameroonian singer, Iguocho in third place.

 

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As the winner of Audiomack’s challenge, Jess ETA also earns a cash prize of $1,000 and a studio session at BBNZ live – one of Ghana’s leading entertainment and artist management agencies. Speaking to the NATIVE about his recent, Jess ETA shares:

“I feel really excited and elated. I entered into the contest and I had this intuitive feeling from the beginning that I could win.”

Of then earning the win, Jess ETA goes on to say, “I’m just happy my entry won Audiomack’s Rising Star Challenge. I am at a place where I am experimenting and showing that everything sounds better with an Afro bend; Pop, R&B, Drill and even EDM. I’m generally excited to see what the future holds. Both for myself and afro influenced music in general.”

With this win under his belt, Jess ETA is already primed for an amazing 2021! Alongside a sophomore EP – the follow-up to last year’s ‘Balance’ – in the works, Jess ETA also plans to issue a wider release for his Audiomack entry in the early part of the year. We can’t wait to see what he’s got coming up.

Featured image credits: Instagram Jess ETA

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