Call for applications: Music performance and business training in Cameroon

The initiative, running under the leadership of musician Mr Leo, is being held in partnership with the Canadian High Commission in Cameroon, Local Youth Corner, Escale Bantoo and DJ Fredy Muks.

The goal of the project is to promote the socio-economic integration of young people, especially women, internally displaced persons and minorities in entertainment and the arts. It is expected to provide orientation and capacity building to 15 semi-professionals to give them a better understanding of the ecosystem and tools that can favour their chances of being successful while building sustainable careers.

This first cohort, comprising 15 young people – 10 for the music performance track and five for the music business track – will undergo three months of training. Four of the trainees in music performance will be selected at the end of the programme to undergo a two-week production residency programme under the mentorship of Mr Leo.

While the primary goal of the project is training, the candidates will also be assisted with a basic minimum package to help them kick-start their careers, including a grand live showcase.

Programme timeline

• Applications open on 5 September and close on 25 September.
• Interviews of shortlisted candidates will happen from 26 to 29 September.
• The list of selected candidates will be announced by 30 September.
• Training will begin on 3 October and end on 23 December.
• The residency programme will begin on 4 January and run through 18 January.
• Live showcase will take place on 30 January 2023 (tentative).
• Classes happen every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm.
• There will be special scholarships for candidates from Douala.

Benefits of the programme

• Three months of training in music performance and music business.
• Career guidance and orientation.
• Possibility to be selected for the residence programme which will include two intensive weeks of music production, and result in the production of a joint extended play album for the four participants with Mr Leo and other celebrated artists. 
• Possibility to showcase at the Lionn Academy Annual Showcase, which brings together several industry professionals and the general public.
• Artistic pack that includes a photo shoot, live performance video, music video and press book.
• Exposure to record labels, managers, booking agents, mentors, etc. within the industry.
• An opportunity to interact with global influencers and leaders from different sectors. 
• A certificate of completion. 

Selection criteria

• The call is open to both female and male singers, and performing artists.
• Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old. 
• Music performance candidates must be able to play an instrument or create instrumentals.
• Applicants must submit a YouTube video link of themselves singing a capella while playing an instrument, or an instrumental.
• Applicants with a disability, from minority groups and internally displaced persons, will be prioritised. 

Note:

• The primary location for the training shall be at the Lionn Academy headquarters in Douala.
• Each candidate should be able to cover transportation to and from the academy for the duration of the training and associated activities.
• Lionn Academy and its partners may offer housing/feeding scholarships for a maximum of five candidates (priority will be given to internally displaced persons and candidates based out of Douala).
• All music performance candidates shall be required to take music business classes.
• Selected candidates must be available for the full training and validate the courses for the certificate to be awarded.
• Being selected into the academy does not infer a record deal or any sort of partnership with the academy or Lionn Productions.
• Lionn Academy shall be the exclusive/priority publisher and record label for content produced during the training and residence programmes. 
• Training shall be done in either French or English, depending on the course.

Interested candidates can submit their applications here.

More information is available on the official website.