The Power of Partnerships in Transforming Music Education in Africa

A catalyst for business growth is collaboration – a powerful accelerant for impact. AWEC promotes collaboration among its sisterhood to boost business growth and promote socio-economic development in Africa. Through collective action, our entrepreneurs pool their expertise and resources to rise above challenges and outdo the competition.

We sat down with the dynamic duo of Kunbi Osinoiki, co-founder and CEO of Kunbi's Music Company and Prudence Ochuko of MomaHill Montessori School in Nigeria to delve into their partnership journey and hear their insights on collaboration. The AWEC Cohort 3 alumnae share a commitment to expanding children’s music education access across Africa.

After meeting through AWEC, Kunbi now teaches music at Prudence's school. The partnership was birthed from a goal to empower children through music.

Why is collaboration important to you?

KUNBI: Collaborations were encouraged during my time in the AWEC program. Initially, I started teaching in Alexandra Ngozi's Diamond Peak Montessori Schools (also an AWEC Cohort 3 alumna), aiming to create a music hub in the community. Then, conversations with Prudence led to a collaboration where we aligned our teaching with Montessori principles. The synergy between our values made it a natural fit, benefiting both our organizations.

PRUDENCE: When collaborating with an AWEC sister, there's no need for constant monitoring as both sides know their roles and add value to each other. It feels like a sister business where feedback is easily exchanged without fear of judgment. Additionally, there's a comfortable and cordial atmosphere where suggestions are freely given and received to help each other grow.

How do you handle challenges?

PRUDENCE: We approach challenges with a professional and open mindset, ensuring that we're always looking out for each other's best interests. Challenges are seen as opportunities for problem-solving, and because of the close-knit nature of our collaboration and AWEC sisterhood, we feel comfortable freely addressing any issues that arise.

How do you ensure a seamless collaboration?

KUNBI: Regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions, and project management tools [such as Trello, Slack, Monday, etc.] help us stay organized. Timely communication ensures that issues are promptly addressed.

How has visibility through the partnership benefited your team and organization?

KUNBI: Well, it's really good when Prudence’s school showcases the children's performances on social media, tagging our studio. It provides social proof and acknowledgment for our team. When we start dealing with the children, they may seem unruly, but through our program, they learn discipline and focus. Seeing their growth from start to finish is immensely gratifying for us and the teachers.

How has AWEC impacted your collaboration?

KUNBI: AWEC taught me the importance of structure, standard operating procedures, and continuous learning through reading. It ignited a passion for self-education and business development that I've carried forward. Collaborating with like-minded entrepreneurs in AWEC has been invaluable for personal and professional growth.

PRUDENCE: Thanks to AWEC, we've learned to approach our business operations with intention. It empowered me as a leader and made my delegation more effective. We've realized the importance of understanding numbers, targeting our market, and collaborating with the right partners. AWEC showed us that success often stems from teamwork and leveraging expertise and support within the community.

Is collaboration the new competition?

KUNBI: Initially, I found the idea contradictory, but upon reflection, collaboration can indeed create a competitive edge. By working together, businesses can achieve more and offer better services. My collaboration with Prudence led to unexpected opportunities including training children online in the comfort of their homes, demonstrating the power of partnerships in business growth.

PRUDENCE: Collaboration has been instrumental in the success of my businesses. By partnering with others who bring complementary skills and perspectives to the table, I've achieved goals that would have been impossible on my own. From expanding into new markets to streamlining operations, collaboration has opened doors and accelerated growth in ways I hadn't anticipated. It's truly been a game-changer for me and my businesses.

How do you foresee the future of your collaboration with each other?

PRUDENCE: I believe our collaboration will continue to flourish. We've created a strong foundation based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to growth. As long as we maintain open communication and continue supporting each other, the sky's the limit for what we can achieve together.

For entrepreneurs considering a collaboration but unsure where to start, what advice would you offer?

KUNBI: Within the AWEC family, explore the alumnae directory* and reach out to individuals in your industry and location. I'd also recommend joining community platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp groups to connect with potential collaborators.

*Editor’s note: This can apply to any organization of which you are an alum - the alumnae directory is an incredibly valuable resource!

PRUDENCE: Collaboration is a powerful tool for business growth. Don't let fear hold you back. Embrace collaboration as an opportunity to leverage diverse skills and expertise. Start small if necessary, but be open to the possibilities it offers. Remember, collaboration allows you to achieve more with the resources available and can propel your business forward in ways you never imagined.

Any collaborations you're currently exploring or looking forward to?

KUNBI: We're in discussions with an AWEC alumna in Zambia to train local teachers to deliver our music programs. Our aim is to equip educators across the continent with age-appropriate resources to provide quality music education to children of all ages.

Can you walk us through the process of setting up a successful collaboration?

Establish a clear framework before getting into any collaboration.
Draft a comprehensive business brief outlining objectives and scope.
Share your profile to provide insight into your background and expertise.
Define specific goals and itemize deliverables for effective progress tracking.
Collaborate on strategies to achieve goals, ensuring alignment and shared vision.
Regularly assess performance and be open to pivoting if necessary for success.

As Kunbi and Prudence reflect on their collaboration and the impact of their AWEC experience, it's evident that collaboration isn't just a strategy, it's a mindset that fosters growth and amplifies impact. Their partnership proves to entrepreneurs across Africa that when individuals come together with shared values and a commitment to excellence, they can achieve remarkable success and create lasting change in their communities.

"Collaboration has been instrumental in the success of my businesses".

ABOUT US

KUNBI OSINOIKI

Kunbi Osinoiki is the co-founder and CEO of Kunbi's Music Company. She started the business in 2013. She is also the vice-chair of the AWEC Alumnae Advisory Board.