Christian Ekwerike began plotting his pathway to music when he left his native Nigeria six years ago.
The 29-year-old relocated to Sydney to play football for a local team but soon turned his attention to his other love.
He told SBS News he identified a gap in the Australian music industry.
"I feel there's some space that's lacking in Australia's industry," Ekwerike said.
"We know we are definitely good in RnB and hip-hop but the Afrobeat isn't really there [yet]."
It led him to create Progress Records, a label which focuses on music that isn't easily definable in Australia.
Christian Ekwerike started Progress Records after moving to Australia. Source: SBS News
'Afrobeat', or 'Afropop', is West Africa's biggest musical export. It combines traditional Nigerian and Ghanaian music with jazz, funk, and chanted vocals.
Its name was coined by the late Nigerian multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti, who was known for spreading the genre outside of his home country. The sound conveys the up-tempo African vibe and has appealed to many artists around the world.
Ekwerike is now bringing out that flavour in Australian artists through his own label, which aims to showcase the talent of migrants, refugees and diverse communities.
"My mission is to bring them to the world, so the world can see what Australia has got," he said.
Fresh talent
Candice Rhind was the first artist to be signed to Progress Records. The Maori-Australian said she struggled in the past to be taken seriously as an artist by Australian record labels.
Candice Rhind, right, was Progress Records' first signing. Source: SBS News
"I'm not the kind of cookie cutter image of what other artists may be in Australia or overseas," Rhind said.
"For me, it's perfect because he (Ekwerike) lets me do my own thing."
Candice began writing her own music when she was 14 and is inspired by her Maori culture.
"We are a very verbal people, everything is with feeling and song," she said.
"Back in the day we used to do a lot of chanting traditionally, so I think it just flows through.
"Unapologetically I am who I am, and hopefully I connect with people through my music and that's what it's all about."
Candice Peroumal works alongside Ekwerike at Progress Records. She said the label's artists don't get the recognition they deserve.
"It's a tough industry to knock down doors ... the Australian music industry."
She said Ekwerike's vision is inclusive of all talent.
"All types of people, not just what is considered popular or mainstream.
"An amazing effort in really showcasing the talents of migrants and refugees, immigrants and diverse communities."
