Finance course for African female musicians and managers

South Africa-based Zimbabwean singer and the founder of Women of the Music Business Africa Berita, invites African female artists and managers to register for the second edition of the Finance for Social Enterprises virtual online course. The course is in partnership with Wits Business School and the Sony Global Justice Fund. It seeks to educate female artists on financial literacy, philanthropy and social investment. It seeks to equip women in music with a better understanding of finances within the sector, including how to position their enterprise in line with the requirements of funders or impact investor

Requirements

• Only female candidates should register.
• Only female artists who have at least two years’ experience of recording and performing music.
• Female managers who have at least two years’ experience in booking, managing and promoting artists. 
• The course is limited to 30 virtual seats.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Social enterprises and NGOs: Definition and context.
• Funding for NGOs and social enterprises.
• Regulations, BBBEE and other frameworks.
• Finance trends in Africa.
• Social requirements by grant funders and impact investors.
• Financial management.

The course will be held on 8 and 9 June and interested artists should apply via email at thewomborg@gmail.com(link sends e-mail) by 28 May.

Call for applications: Covid-19 fund for artists and cultural organisations

 The African Culture Fund (ACF) is launching this third batch of calls for projects, this time for both individual artists and cultural organizations, in the framework of the Solidarity Fund for Artists and Cultural Organizations in Africa (SOFACO), in order to support African artists who are severely affected by the harmful effects of Covid-19.

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST:

• Be an artist with at least five years of experience, practicing and residing in Africa;
• Demonstrate a situation of vulnerability (or a shortfall) arising from the Covid-19 health crisis;
• Submit a project request for subsistence (food grant, health grant or professional grant) or for assistance to creation (artistic creation or innovation within the context of Covid-19).

Documents to be provided by selected candidates only

• An artist card or equivalent document (provide a copy of the card or equivalent document)
• A document showing your biography, your artistic career, your artistic approach and an overview of your artistic works (3 pages maximum);
• A letter of recommendation from at least one recognized reference person in the discipline you practice (pointing out the need and urgency to support you).

CULTURAL ORGANISATION:

• Be an artistic cultural organization operating in Africa, with at least five years of experience.

Documents to be provided by selected candidates only

• Proof of legal existence;
• A document showing the artistic career, process and an overview of the artistic works of your organization (maximum3 pages);
• A résumé (biography) of the head of the organization;
• A letter of recommendation from at least one recognized reference person in the field of competency of your organization (pointing out the need and urgency to provide financial support to your organization)
• Category 1: Applications for subsistence grants
  These are requests made by any artist or creator in a situation of vulnerability to the Covid-19 crisis. These requests relate to food grants, health grants and professional grants.
• Category 2: Requests for assistance to the creation
  These requests relate to artistic creation or innovation projects adapted to the context of Covid-19 in Africa.

Applications can be submitted in English or French.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 20 May 2021 midnight GMT.

Global Influences music project: Opportunity for music producers

UK-based record label Abubilla Music and Ketebul Music in Kenya have launched the international Global Influences Project to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the two companies’ Singing Wells programme.

The Global Influences Project requires artists to create artistic responses using a series of musical loops taken from field recordings across East Africa over the past decade. Artists, producers, dancers, videographers and songwriters worldwide aged 16 and above are invited to demonstrate how music is relevant to today’s modern world. Participants can use the loops to create a house track, as inspiration for a dance piece, or as the soundtrack to a painting.

Access the loop library here. 

Entrants submitting musical responses should note the following:

• The track should be in MP3 format.
• The track must be a minimum of 30 seconds long and incorporate one or more of the loops.
• Entrants should submit footage of the production, recording or writing process (not mandatory).

Entrants submitting dance/visual responses should note the following:

• Entrants should create a video/footage of their piece of work with the musical loops featured in some capacity (min 30 seconds and max 60 seconds).
• The pixel resolution should be 1920 x 1080.
• The video should be in ProRes or MP4 format and in 25 frames per second.

Successful applicants will receive £60 ($80) per submission with payments made through PayPal.

“If you want to independently release your music for sale or streaming using these samples, please get in touch with us so that we can grant you a licence,” Abubilla Music said. 

The submission process is ongoing.

For enquiries, send an email to info@singingwells.org.

Apply for Sauti za Busara festival in 2022

Sauti za Busara, one of Africa’s top music festivals, is now in its 19^th season. The next edition is scheduled in Stone Town, Zanzibar during 11 – 13 February 2022.

The Call for Artists is open only until midnight (EAT) on 31^st July 2021.

Sauti za Busara showcases live, original and diverse music from the African Continent and diaspora. Musicians representing the Arab World and Indian Ocean region are also welcome to apply.

Preference is given to:

• Unique music with cultural identity that is connected to Africa, the Arab World and Indian Ocean
• Women artists, or groups led by women
• Young, new and emerging talents
• Music with messages that are positive, relevant and useful to society
• Music that is performed ‘100% live’!

Music In Africa profile link Music In Africa (www.musicinafrica.net) is the leading information and exchange platform for African artists. A Music In Africa profile acts as an EPK (electronic press kit); if you keep this updated with latest audio and video releases, it will greatly enhance your global visibility and possibly lead to bookings beyond Sauti za Busara. To support your application consider uploading your profile to the Music In Africa portal and paste a link to this below.Register here to upload your profile to Music in Africa portal

To apply to participate, please send all documents as listed below. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.

• Application form*
• Artists’ profile/biography*
• Link to Artist’s profile on the Music In Africa portal (optional)
• Latest audio release* (maximum 2 songs using WeTransfer/dropbox/ google drive)
• Latest video of live performance (maximum 2 clips using WeTransfer/ dropbox/ google drive)
• 2 promotional photos* (high-resolution)
• Stage Plan and Technical Rider (if available)

Supporting documents must be clearly labeled and sent by email to journey@busara.or.tz  

Printed applications should be sent to the following address:

Journey Ramadhan

Sauti za Busara festival manager,

Busara Promotions

P O Box 3635

Zanzibar

Tanzania

Please mark your package clearly: “Contents not for sale. For promotional use only”

The submission deadline to receive your complete application is midnight (EAT) on 31^st July 2021

If selected, Sauti za Busara will cover the following expenses for participating artists (+ 1 crew member):

• Modest honorarium, aka performance fee
• Per-diems, for meals and incidentals
• Accommodation in Zanzibar
• All local transport related to the performance
• Tanzanian visa costs
• Festival passes, including access to all shows for the duration of the event
• Invitations to Movers & Shakers (networking for professionals), press conferences and other events
• Artist’s profile in festival programmes, press releases, website and social media platforms.

The selection committee meets in August to finalise the line-up for Sauti za Busara 2022. Applicants will be notified of outcomes before September. Artists from outside the region are usually required to find their own travel sponsors.

9 of the best: The essential Trisha Cee songs

The star Trisha Cee (Trisha C), who died on 29 March, was on the path to resounding popular success. 

She was involved in a fatal road accident but died later that evening at the Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH) due to medical negligence. The incident resulted in an uproar on social media. The following day, activists held protests calling for better health systems, road regulations and justice for the death of the artist. Several protesters were arrested during the protest but later released

It remains to be know whether there will be real justice. 

Trisha was talented and would undoubtedly have continued to help her thrive. That dream has been denied to all of her fans and family. The consolation of her music remains.

News of her death sparked an outpour of grief on social media from friends, colleagues and fans. 

Ayak Chol Deng Abyei wrote: “What a loss, what a devastating loss. Trisha C, was my chosen replacement as the MC for the Karaoke nights organized in Afex by DJ kryptonite. She was an extraordinary vocalist, and even an incredible composer; she was witty and knew how to work a crowd. Death, how cruel you are.”

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Mclumoex Lri said: “You will truly be missed, Trisha Cee; rest well, my sister. Who is now going to call me Lungaser? Oh my, goodness, I can’t believe it.” The extra time hitmaker also took the time to emphasize unity amongst artists in the creative sector. He said: “Let us participating towards the rebuilding of the entertainment industry; celebrity beef is good, but if it can lead to the production of better music and quality visual, we can as well do music battles and many more.

Comedian Madual wrote: “Sister, I never meet you, but I know you through your beautiful voice I always heard on the radio. You made a huge impact in this industry. You had your style, which touched our hearts. Dear rest in peace, we love you, and I will never forget your beautiful voice.”

Below we track her rise through eight essential tracks. For those who followed her career, the list will spark memories and perhaps thoughts of what might have been. For anyone—within or outside of South Sudan—who have only heard about the artist upon her untimely death, this list is an introduction to what the fuss was about and why Trisha Cee was such a big deal.

Welede – Trisha Cee 

Tattoo Audio – Trisha Cee

I Am Different

Mind Your Business

Bright Star

Nihaya Sunu

Tukokinan

Weled De

Submit your song for Africa Day competition

South Sudanese artists are encouraged to submit songs for the Africa Theme Song Contest for an opportunity to perform live on Africa Day during the virtual edition of the Africa Sports Awards on 25 May.

The top five finalists will perform live on a platform relevant to their growth and development while giving the sports industry the right injection of energy to position sports events across the continent as major spectacles and an enhanced entertainment avenue for fans.

The overall winner will receive a recording contract with HITLAB plus various other prizes from the sponsors. Those nterested can access the entry form here.

South Sudan Music Awards 2021: All the nominees

The nominees for this year’s South Sudan Music Awards (SSMAs) were unveiled on 18 March.

Launched in 2019, the awards are held annually to celebrate local and diaspora-based South Sudanese singers, dancers, DJs, producers and comedians. 

“I want to assure every one of our transparency in the whole process and request the members of the public to exercise their vote with total confidence. The event will take place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” SSMA brand ambassador Moses Yasin said.

The voting process is ongoing via the SSMAs official website.

South Sudan: Songwriting workshop for artists

Songwriters whose country of origin is one of the following are eligible for this edition of
The Cookout Africa 2021: South Sudan, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar,
Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.

It’s time to announce the launch of the Cookout Africa 2021 following the success of the Cookout
Africa Masterclass series launched in 2020 that saw Grammy Award winner Vincent Berry II, in
partnership with The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), engage with over one hundred
emerging songwriters from across Africa.

Throughout 2020 five songs were created through this collaborative process that included over 50
legally recognized African songwriting contributors. With international interest in the songs heating
up, all official collaborators stand to be part of African music history.

The Cookout Africa is part of the build-up to the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) at The Intra-African
Trade Fair 2021 (IATF2021). This dynamic programme for Africa’s creatives will take place in Kigali,
Rwanda from 6-12 September 2021 where Africa’s creative industries will gather in the most
important and memorable creative gathering of the year.

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The Cookout Africa series with official IATF Goodwill Ambassador Vincent Berry II, is just one part of
an on-going virtual programme that aims to build a transformative way to engage, educate and
encourage creatives globally to collaborate. The Cookout Africa 2021 will reach out virtually across
Africa, commencing with the first session in 2021 focusing on Eastern African songwriters on
Wednesday 31 March at 18:00 CAT. Once again, songwriters will have the opportunity to create a
song in real time, contributing lyrics to locally created beats through a truly collaborative process
(creatively & legally). This collaboration with IATF2021 will enable the creative industry of the future
to continue to produce fresh, conscious and emotionally available content in a sustainable and
cutting-edge manner.

To take part in this free song-writing Masterclass, register here: https://bit.ly/3tfUM54
and fill out the application in order to reserve your spot.

Space is limited, so sign-up now!

Submit your songs for Kisima Awards

South Sudanese artists are encouraged to submit songs and films for the 2020 edition of Kisima Music and Film Awards (KMFAs).

Music awards

Who can participate?

Artists, producers and record labels can send entries to the awards, which will recognise musical works produced between October 2019 and October 2020 in the following 18 categories:

Continental Awards

• Africa Artist of the Year
• Africa Male Artist of the Year
• Africa Female Artist of the Year
• Africa Album of the Year
• Africa Best New Artist 
• Africa Producer of the Year 
• Africa Song of the Year
• Africa Best Collabo/Group/Band
• Lifetime Achievement Award/Africa Icon Award

Special Awards – Hosting Country (Kenya)

• Artist of the Year
• Male Artist of the Year
• Female Artist of the Year
• Best Producer
• DJ of the Year Award
• Music Radio Host of the Year (Asian)
• Music Radio host of the Year (Kiswahili)
• Music Radio Host of the Year (English)
• Music Radio Host of the Year (Vernacular)

How to participate

Music entries can be done online here.

The submission deadline is 30 November. 

Selection process

A five-member jury including music critics, musicians and producers will nominate five artists in each category for public voting. 

Note: This opportunity is open to artists who have original music. 

Film awards

Who can participate?

The film section of the awards will accept entries from directors, producers, scriptwriters, editors, directors of photography, production designers and sound designers.

The awards will recognise films produced between January 2019 and November 2020 in the following 18 categories:

Continental awards

• Africa Best Feature Film
• Africa Best Short Film
• Africa Best Director
• Africa Best Producer
• Africa Best Lead Actor
• Africa Best Lead Actress
• Best Adapted Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Lifetime Achievement/Africa Icon

Special Awards – Hosting Country (Kenya)

• Best Local Film
• Best TV Programme/Series
• Best Lead Actor TV/Film
• Best Lead Actress TV/Film
• Best Supporting Actor TV/Film
• Best Supporting Actress TV/Film
• Best YouTube Personality
• Best Animation
• Best TV Advertisement

How to participate

Film entries can be done online here(link is external).

The submission deadline is 30 November. 

Selection process

The jury’s vote will amount to 80% of the overall votes, while the public vote will constitute 20%. 

Menimen wants to make timeless music

We are getting up close and personal with the award-winning artist, Menimen, who is a member of the Cozoos Clan group. The group was launched in 2000 but started releasing commercial music in 2004. Since then, Menimen has been building up a solid reputation with his Afro-dancehall music.

Tell us about your latest song?

This I would say is one of my biggest projects this year. The song is titled ‘Give Me Love’ and was produced by Hunter; he has worked previously worked with Harmonize. The love song’s video was directed and shot by Kevin Bosco Jnr. Finally, the collaborations include Gnako (Tanzania) and Mr Filter (Kenya). It was a tremendous cross-cultural exchange that I will undoubtedly love to have in my future projects.

Where do you find your artistic inspiration for your music?

That’s simple. I am a true African therefore, my music is based on African stories and cultural aspects that people can relate to especially the youth. I just want to make timeless music that lasts not just stuff for this specific time.

Great. Success is such a personal concept — we all see and define it differently. How did you personally describe your success?

This is one of the most challenging questions for artists to answer. As you said, the responses would vary. But as for me, what I can say is that I am not where I would want to be, but I am on course. I think for me it’s more than having a successful music business but rather make something honest that continues to tell my story faithfully and truthfully to the people who have been following my story and know my voice.

With every road to success, there is/are challenges. What are yours?

The biggest challenge facing many South Sudanese artists, including myself, is penetrating the regional and international market. So, in short, I am looking forward to the day that our music would be embraced by media and promoters in other countries. But of course, we do know that we have a long way to go to ensure such a success.

Looking at the local music scene, what would you say is the biggest problem?

I would say the lack of professionalism not just from the artists but the industry in general, including the media. This same lack of professionalism is being seen in the musicians’ union, which seems unsure of how to conduct its mandate. At this point, I do not think the union needs a leader who is a musician but rather a professional who understands the language of the industry. There are a lot of things happening today in the world of entertainment that 99% of the local entertainers are not aware of including payment of royalties, music streaming, etc. We need to be on toes if we must catch up with the rest of the region and eventually continent.

You are also an activist under the Anataban banner. Do you think that all artists have a responsibility to use their platforms to make a stand, or do you think it’s purely personal conviction?

I believe this comes with commitment and your responsibility as a citizen of country x or y. I am an activist because i am passionate about making my country better. My intentions come from a sincere place. I am a parent, and i believe it’s my responsibility to secure a better future for her. On that note, not all artists should be forced into activism; however, we must all use our platforms and influence to be better citizens of this country. 

Which artists are you listening to at the moment? 

They would be Mr.p, Yemi Alade, Petrah, TID, Gnako, and many more. It depends on my mood. 

Looking forward, what are your plans, musically, for the next year?

Am doing a lot of collaborations right now and subsequently shooting videos. I just got done with two videos over the last two weeks. But the COVID-19 has slowed down other projects i had hoped to actualise this year. So i hope next year would be better. I would also like to encourage my fellow African artists not to give up on faith. We shall soon be able to stage huge concerts and travel for shows as before. A Luta Continua. 

For interviews send in a request at Willyentertainmentafrica@gmail.com

Meet the Artist –MC Lumoex

MC Lumoex is a musician. At least, that is his passion. When he’s not making music, he is a businessman. A sit down with MC Lumoex, and you can see how brilliant and introspective he is. A further discussion about his music and purpose in the society and you can feel the creativity and wisdom pouring out of words.

Since launching his foray into music in 1997, the singer has gone on to release hits that received massive airplay and collaborated with South Sudanese (S.S) artistes such as Princess Golda, Tutu babe/Sbizzy, Djcent, Hani Breva, Cool Nabo, WJ and Dynamic (S.S/ USA), among others. His regional repertoire of collaboration includes Ugandan artistes such as Ziza Bafana, Anita da Diva and Prince Ali, among others.

He is also the founder of the Alabu Dance contest, which seeks to reward your birding talent in dance choreography.

MC Lumoex’s story is still unfolding. We are so glad he agreed to an interview!

On why he makes music and what his songs are all about

Nature and life rules pushed me down the path of music because it was the only way that I felt connected with my people. Everyone knows about the history of S.S; therefore, anything that could bring people under one roof regardless of ethnicity or political stands was a welcoming course. I must say that I’ve been lucky enough to keep going because several have quit over the years for one reason or the other. Challenges are part of the job though – being able to perform as well as you can even though the circumstances are frustrating!

On which artist he listened to while growing up

I am a traditional boy; this means that I enjoy my classical music a lot. Culture is the only thing that distinguishes us from each other, but it also brings us together. I would not say I have a favourite artist, but I sample music based on its content rather than an individual. One thing that’s for sure is how I make my music is based on how I value my roots as a south Sudanese and an African at the same time.

On advising young artist looking to venture into music

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Many people will try to discourage you, but never give up. You’ll have to face many difficulties, but it’s part of the game. So always stay focused on your goals and finding the best ways for you to achieve them. One important aspect not to forget is originality – sound original and unique that will guarantee you a following.

On what legacy he wishes to leave behind

I want to be remembered as a musician who was true to himself and not being afraid of fully expressing himself. My music goals would be further my collaborations in other countries. This way, I can introduce the S.S culture and languages. I want Arabi Juba to be known across the region and continent. My videos are a depiction of our cultures, and the art of singing depicts the same. My music videos also stand out as they meet my taste, my values, my search of a meaning and constant need of identifying with where I am from.

On funny/interesting stories from life as a musician?

This is hilarious! So I was performing on a very high raised stage feeling and then suddenly I stepped on an open space, and I fell off the stage. But the upside of it is that I continued performing despite experiencing sharp pain in my knee. The crowd assumed it was part of the show, and I kept cheering. In the morning, pictures of me were all over, and the media even branded me ‘best performer wish they knew. The lesson here is that you can turn any misfortune on stage into an art of performance.

On his latest project

I am currently working on releasing a song on human trafficking titled ‘Tebiu Nas’. The song seeks to educate my people about the dangers of human trafficking. It is a collaboration with Crazy fox. Once the restriction on the pandemic subsides, I would wish to conduct a nationwide tour because this is a message that hits close to home. Young people must not be lured with promises of a better life only for them to be hurt once they leave the country.