Born out of a desire to give international visibility to young African artists and members of the diaspora, the African Proud Contest quickly found its audience thanks to an original format unlike any other pan-African music competition. As the second edition begins, let’s take a closer look at this ambitious project and the inspiring journey of its first winner.
A Unique Contest, Blending Competition and Training
Launched in 2023 by Moh Green—known for his collaborations with major figures in urban music—the African Proud Contest quickly established itself as a unique initiative in the Francophone music landscape. Combining competition, mentoring, and professional support, it stands out thanks to its fully digital format and its mission to structure the Francophone African music scene.
Open to talents from eight African countries (Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Mali, Morocco, Senegal) as well as France, the contest invites participants to create an original track using one of the instrumentals provided by Moh Green. After a national selection, finalists are chosen through a dual voting system: the public and a professional jury.
At stake: international exposure, with tracks broadcast on major streaming platforms, as well as a structured training program (career management, copyright, digital distribution, communication). More than just a competition, the African Proud Contest is a springboard towards professionalization and a gateway into the music industry.
Skipp Narco, the Revelation of the First Edition
Winner of the inaugural edition in December 2023, Congolese artist Skipp Narco is a perfect example of what the contest can offer. Raised in an environment where music was omnipresent—“I was born into music, I grew up in it, at school, in church, everywhere”—he had never entered a competition before. The authenticity of the project and the involvement of Moh Green, whom he describes as “a courageous person, someone who inspires through his perseverance,” convinced him to take the leap.
His unique style, blending Congolese rumba with urban sounds, captivated both the audience and the jury. His victory proved decisive: his track Beauté Africaine, created in collaboration with Moh Green, amassed nearly one million views within weeks. Shortly after, he performed for the first time on an international stage in Abidjan, during a concert organized around the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Beyond visibility, the contest gave Skipp Narco personalized support and a deeper understanding of the music industry: “It gave me an opening, a better grasp of the industry, and the chance to meet several professionals in the field,” he explains. Building on this experience, he is now preparing an EP and a major concert in Brazzaville, with the ambition of exporting his music internationally. His advice to young artists: “Stay focused, surround yourself with the right people, and always aim higher.”
A Highly Anticipated Second Edition
Driven by the momentum of its first success, the African Proud Contest is now ready to welcome a new wave of talents. The second edition, scheduled from September 1 to December 13, 2025, will once again bring together African and diaspora artists from nine countries. The core principles remain: original creation on DJ Moh Green’s instrumentals, combined voting system, and digital distribution.
Announced rewards already include a €10,000 prize and the chance to perform at a major international concert. The exact details and upcoming innovations will be unveiled in the coming weeks, paving the way for an even more dynamic edition.
Beyond the competition, the African Proud Contest reaffirms its mission: to offer young artists a showcase, a solid network, and a genuine career opportunity on the international stage. After Skipp Narco, which talent will make Africa vibrate and captivate the world this year?
