Kunbi Osinoiki Champions Youth Empowerment Through Music and the Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe
- Rhythm Africa Festival
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Kunbi Osinoiki Head of Youth Services and Education discusses inclusion, perseverance, and the future of African creativity on the Just Saying Podcast.
Music has the power to inspire, educate and transform lives, and few people understand this better than Kunbi Osinoiki.
In the latest episode of the Just Saying Podcast, Stevie Eagle E sits down with Kunbi Osinoiki, Founder and Head of Kunbi's Music Company, Head of Making a Difference Campaign Nigeria, Head of Youth Services and Education for Rhythm Africa Festival, and the driving force behind the exciting new Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe (RAYtribe) initiative.
Their conversation explores the power of music, youth development, inclusion, cultural identity, and the enormous opportunities that Rhythm Africa Festival will create for the next generation of Nigerian talent.
A Mission to Transform Lives Through Music
For Kunbi Osinoiki, music has never been simply about entertainment.
Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to using music as a tool for education, personal development, confidence-building and social change. Her passion is rooted in the belief that every young person has the potential to achieve greatness when given the opportunity to discover and express their talents.
During the podcast, Kunbi speaks passionately about her vision of helping young people expand their minds through creativity, collaboration and cultural expression.
"Music gives young people a voice," she explains. "It helps them discover who they are, build confidence and understand that they can achieve more than they may have ever imagined."
Building Inclusive Opportunities for Young People
One of the most inspiring aspects of Kunbi's work is her commitment to inclusion.
She discusses her ambition to develop musical projects that bring together both able-bodied and disabled young people, creating environments where talent, creativity and determination are celebrated equally.
Her vision is one where music becomes a bridge that removes barriers, promotes understanding and demonstrates that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Through collaborative performance, education and mentorship, she hopes to create opportunities that allow young people from all backgrounds and circumstances to thrive.
Introducing RAYtribe: The Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe
At the heart of the discussion is RAYtribe (Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe), a groundbreaking youth initiative connected to Rhythm Africa Festival.
The project will search for, identify and showcase exceptional young Nigerian talent between the ages of 10 and 19, offering selected participants the opportunity to perform alongside major artists and international stars at the Rhythm Africa Festival.
More than just a talent competition, RAYtribe is designed to become a platform for discovering future leaders, performers, creators and cultural ambassadors.
Kunbi believes Nigeria is overflowing with young talent that deserves to be seen and celebrated on a global stage.
"There are incredible young people across Nigeria with amazing gifts," she says during the interview. "RAYtribe is about finding those young voices, helping them develop and showing the world what they can do."
Looking Beyond Talent
One of the most thought-provoking moments in the podcast comes when Stevie Eagle E and Kunbi discuss what they will be looking for in applicants.
While musical ability and creative talent are important, both agree that talent alone is not enough.
Instead, they emphasise the importance of perseverance, discipline, dedication and a willingness to work hard.
Many successful artists possess natural ability, but it is determination and resilience that often separate those who succeed from those who give up too early.
The pair discuss how the challenges of pursuing a creative career require commitment, focus and the courage to continue growing despite setbacks.
For RAYtribe participants, character will be just as important as talent.
"We want young people who are prepared to work, learn and keep going," Kunbi explains. "Talent opens the door, but hard work keeps it open."
Reclaiming African Cultural Expression
The conversation also explores the broader cultural landscape across Nigeria and Africa.
While Nigerian music, fashion and entertainment have become globally recognised, Kunbi and Stevie Eagle E discuss the ongoing influence of Western cultural models and how African creatives must continue to develop authentic expressions of their own identities.
They argue that Africa's future cultural strength lies in embracing its own stories, traditions, values and creative perspectives rather than simply following established international trends.
According to Kunbi, the next generation of African creators has a unique opportunity to redefine global culture by confidently expressing their own experiences and viewpoints.
"Nobody can tell Africa's story better than Africans," she says. "We have our own cultures, our own histories and our own voices. The world wants to hear them."
Changing What a Festival Can Achieve
Kunbi believes Rhythm Africa Festival has the potential to redefine expectations for cultural festivals across the continent.
Rather than focusing solely on entertainment, the festival is being built as a platform for education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, tourism and community development.
By combining world-class performances with meaningful social impact initiatives, Rhythm Africa Festival aims to demonstrate what a modern African cultural festival can achieve.
For Kunbi, the inclusion of youth development programs such as RAYtribe is a critical part of that vision.
"We're not just creating an event," she explains. "We're creating opportunities, building confidence and helping shape the future."
How to Apply for RAYtribe
Young people aged 10 to 19 years old who believe they have the passion, dedication and talent to become part of the Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe can find full audition information online.
Applications, eligibility details and submission guidelines are available here:
RAYtribe Information Page
Young performers can submit their entries directly through:
RAYtribe Submission Portal
Watch the Full Podcast
Stevie Eagle E's complete interview with Kunbi Osinoiki is available now also as part of the Just Saying Podcast series on www.feelnonthe5th.com
The conversation offers valuable insight into youth empowerment, music education, inclusion, cultural identity and the exciting future of the Rhythm Africa Youth Tribe initiative.
The RAYtribe auditions and special features will also be streamed live as part of the Sankofa Council Circle of Owls television event on Feeln on the 5th, giving audiences around the world the opportunity to discover Nigeria's next generation of stars.
Stay connected to the Rhythm Africa Festival News & Information Centre for the latest updates, artist announcements, audition news and festival developments.
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