Call for music journalists: Northern Nigeria, Somalia, Mali, South Sudan

This call-out is done within the context of a new project, entitled Music In Africa Connects, which the Music In Africa Foundation is implementing in partnership with the German Foreign Ministry, Siemens Stiftung and the Goethe-Institut.

The key focus of Music In Africa Connects is to support the music sectors in seven countries that have been affected by conflict, through promoting knowledge exchange and creating opportunities and capacity for those who operate in the sectors. The other focus countries of the project are Chad, Niger and Sudan. 

Successful candidates will be required to research and write a maximum of three overview articles ranging between 900 and 1 200 words. The overviews should provide factual insight into various aspects of the local music industries. 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.

Research titles are not confirmed at this point but the project will seek to address the following broad areas:

• Overviews of the focus areas' current state (musically) 
• In-depth look at how the focus areas have been affected by conflict, from a music perspective
• Opportunities (if any) for music professionals in the focus areas
• General topics such as: new music, the recording scene, royalties, music education and the live music scene
• Music as a social and political catalyst
• Success stories and efforts towards reigniting the music industries. 

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 that 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 Ife Nihinlola at ife@musicinafrica.net. Your application must include the following:

• Short motivation
• At least three music-related articles you have recently written (links are acceptable)
• Mention the country you want to research. 

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