Apprise Music & Media and Akuna Wallet Announce Strategic Partnership to Support African Artists
Accra, Ghana—Apprise Music & Media and Akuna Wallet have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at supporting African artists through music industry development and education. The partnership provides access to international payment solutions.
The collaboration brings together Apprise Music & Media’s work in music distribution, artist development, publishing administration, and cultural programming. Furthermore, it connects these efforts with Akuna Wallet’s global payment infrastructure for creators and businesses. The partnership is intended to strengthen how artists access financial tools and participate in cross-border markets. As a result, artists can build sustainable careers within the evolving global music economy.
As part of the collaboration, Akuna Wallet will be integrated into selected Apprise Music & Media programs, including artist workshops, training initiatives, and industry engagement platforms. In addition, the partnership will support artists’ onboarding, financial literacy initiatives, and structured engagement around international payment systems.
Akuna Wallet is a creator-focused global payments platform co-founded by actor and creative entrepreneur Idris Elba.
Areas of Collaboration
The partnership will support joint initiatives that advance artist development and financial access, including:
- Integration of Akuna Wallet into artist education and engagement programs
- Financial literacy and digital payment training for creators
- Structured onboarding support for artists accessing international payment tools
- Collaborative events, industry sessions, and creative programs
- Co-developed initiatives aligned with shared objectives in artist empowerment
Activities will be implemented through agreed programs and jointly approved initiatives.
About Apprise Music & Media
Apprise Music & Media is a Ghana-based music company focused on distribution, publishing administration, artist and label services, and music business education. Through workshops, cultural programs, and industry initiatives, the company supports artists, creators, and creative entrepreneurs across Africa. Consequently, it helps them build sustainable careers within the global music ecosystem.
Leadership Perspectives
“This partnership reflects our commitment to building practical systems that support Ghanaian and African artists,” said Michael Bamfo, founder and CEO of Apprise Music & Media. “By integrating creator-focused financial tools into our programs and events, we are strengthening the infrastructure artists need to participate more effectively in today’s global music economy.”
Grace Nyele Mensah, Operations Manager and Publishing Administrator at Apprise Music & Media, added, “Our focus is on building operational and publishing structures that help artists understand their rights, manage earnings, and navigate international markets with confidence. This collaboration supports artist onboarding and financial literacy, as well as the practical systems that sustain long-term careers across borders.”
About Akuna Wallet
Akuna Wallet is a global payment platform designed to support creators and businesses with fast, secure, and accessible international payment solutions. The platform focuses on enabling cross-border financial participation. In addition, it supports the growing creator economy.
Akuna Wallet Leadership
Denelle Dixon—Co-Founder & Global CEO
Denelle Dixon is a recognized business and technology leader. In addition to global oversight of the Akuna Wallet team, she also serves as CEO and Executive Director of the Stellar Development Foundation. This is a nonprofit organization seeking to increase access to the global financial system.
Idris Elba—Co-Founder
Idris Elba, a multi-award-winning actor, filmmaker, and musician, is one of today’s most versatile performers. He uses his voice to amplify support for global issues. In particular, he focuses on advancing the interests of the underprivileged and underrepresented.
KJ Owusu-Agyeman—CEO, Africa
Kwadwo “KJ” Owusu-Agyeman is an Africa-focused product and business leader with experience spanning technology, fintech, and investment banking. He leads Akuna Wallet’s mission across Africa. The mission is to build inclusive financial tools for the continent’s creative economy.
Lauren Thorbjornsen—Strategic Advisor
Lauren Thorbjornsen is a strategy leader working at the intersection of technology, business, and policy. Her experience spans the public sector, including the White House under President Obama and the OECD. In addition, she has worked in the private sector, including at Salesforce and the Stellar Development Foundation.
