Image Credit: Mastercard

Mastercard’s artist accelerator programme helps musicians into the web3 space. But, it can only be accessed using a free music pass NFT.

Back in January, Mastercard announced plans for an educational web3 programme, set to launch in spring 2023. Spring has now sprung, and with it comes the news of a free Mastercard NFT that has been dropped in order to grant access to this contemporary programme.

Token gating is not a particularly new concept. A number of companies have been testing NFT-gated features recently, including Spotify and Audius. Before we jump into what all of this means, let’s take a look at what the Mastercard artist accelerator programme entails.

What is the artist accelerator programme?

Originally announced at the start of 2023, Mastercard revealed it would be offering an exciting opportunity to five artists from around the globe. The programme promises to help develop artists, as well as train them on the modern digital aspects of being an artist.

Alongside the five participating artists, NFT holders and fans can have a seat at the table. The token grants exclusive access to the Web3 x Music educational materials, as well as unique experiences.

The programme will harness web3 technologies on the Polygon blockchain and also vows to connect artists with mentors. Polygon is a blockchain “for mass adoption”. It has been involved in many web3 projects involving mainstream companies lately.

As the web3 space is still relatively new, Mastercard aims to focus on how it can be used for emerging artists. Educational tools and sessions will be offered to five new artists, enabling them to forge careers in the digital economy. Guidance around building a brand in web3 will also be given. Participants can also learn how to mint their own NFTs, represent themselves in virtual worlds, as well as establishing a dedicated and engaged community.

Raja Rajamannar is Mastercard’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and announced the programme earlier this year at CES. Of the programme, they said:

“Music is a universal passion, inspiring us, moving us, and bringing us together; however, it can feel impossible for budding artists to break in. With the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, we are expanding access and driving connections further with cutting-edge Web3 technology. Our vision is to bridge passion and purpose, spotlighting amazing emerging artists and creating an interactive community that allows participants to learn, experiment and grow together.”

Raja Rajamannar

How does the Mastercard NFT work?

This week, Mastercard unveiled its free, limited edition Music Pass NFT. Holders of a Mastercard NFT can reap a number of benefits that lie ahead.

If you’re wondering what an NFT actually is, it’s a digital token that acts as an authentication of ownership. These non-fungible tokens can be linked to both physical and digital assets, such as houses or a digital music download. They’re also the ideal technology for tickets or membership access to fan clubs or artist accelerator programmes.

The Mastercard NFT will be free until the end of April. Those hoping to get involved in the drop should head to Polygon to get their hands on a non-fungible token.

Speaking to Decrypt, Raja Rajamannar said, “If you think about it, it only makes sense to unlock a Web3-centered program with a Web3 technology.” He went on to explain that the artist accelerator programme is “designed to deepen the experience for the music and Web3 enthusiasts.”

What’s on offer to Mastercard NFT holders?

Both musicians and fans can enjoy the perks offered up via Mastercard’s free Music Pass NFT. Collectors will have access to a variety of web3 tools, including an AI-powered music generator app. Educational content will be available alongside this, as well as access to a virtual showcase. This exhibition will feature the five participating artists, who will represent a range of genres and styles.

Artists participating in the accelerator include Grammy Award-winning artist Cocoa Sarai, R&B singer Young Athena, Latin Grammy nominee singer/songwriter Manu Manzu, Nigerian recording artist LeriQ, and musician Emily Vu.

Musicians & Web3

As technology continues to advance, emerging artists need to stay in the know in order to move their careers forward. When digital music streaming landed, musicians had to adapt and educate themselves on new earning opportunities.



Web3 offers even more new revenue potential for artists. In order to get the most out of today’s digital tools, artists stand to gain significantly from understanding web3 and NFT best practices.

Making innovative choices and creating unique opportunities for fans helps musicians to stand out from the crowd. With so many cool and exciting ways to use web3, artists have a wealth of creative possibilities at their disposal. Initiatives like Mastercard’s help get artists ahead of the curve, empowering them to grow in an ever-digitising music industry.