Call for applications: Music writers in Sierra Leone

Successful candidates will be required to research and write no more than three overview articles ranging between 900 and 1 200 words. The overview texts should provide factual insight into various aspects of the local music industry. Authors are expected to use clear, simple language and frame topics in a way that anyone can understand, while avoiding their own personal opinions. A detailed style guide will be provided and texts are expected to conform to these guidelines.

Topic examples

Topics are not fixed but they generally aim to provide:

• An overview of Sierra Leone’s music life
• An overview of specific music genres in the country (eg. local genres, popular, classical, gospel, traditional)
• An overview of opportunities available for music operators in Sierra Leone (eg. funding, training, performing opportunities, etc)
• An overview of indigenous instruments in Sierra Leone
• An overview of the recording scene (recording labels, how royalties are collected, publishers, etc)
• An overview of music education and available structures in the country
• An overview of the live music scene

Applicants must be well-versed in these areas, ideally having written on similar topics in the past. Successful candidates will be given a topic and will be required to submit a short proposal on how they would treat the topic.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ writing experience
• Flawless writing skills (English)
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Exceptional music knowledge
• Desire to contribute to the local music industry

Remuneration

Writers will be remunerated at an agreed rate once the text has been submitted to the editors’ satisfaction and according to the specifications provided.

Contact

If you are interested, send your CV to Kalin Pashaliev at kalin@musicinafrica.net before 24 April. Your application must include the following:

• Short motivation
• At least three music-related articles you have recently written (links are acceptable)

For more information about Music In Africa, go to www.musicinafrica.net.