Call for applications: REMA 2021 showcases in Burkina Faso

7 Sep 2021 - 15:14

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Les Rencontres Musicales Africaines (REMA), or 'African Musical Meetings', is inviting African musicians to apply for an opportunity to showcase at the event in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 14 to 16 October 2021.

Burkinabe musician Fleur Ouedraogo was among the REMA showcasing artists last year.

The annual event brings together artists, music promoters, festival directors, media experts, producers, record label owners and representatives from distribution companies to exchange ideas about the African music industry.

This edition will run under the theme, Private Copying Remuneration as an Engine for Musical Creation in Africa.

“The private copying levy is an important element of copyright and related rights infrastructure,” REMA founder Alif Naaba told Music In Africa. “The development of new technologies has dramatically changed the way content is delivered, and we are still at the beginning of this change. As a result, artists are bound to lose a lot of income if no proper compensation measures are put in place. This is why a fully functional private copying levy system that considers social changes, changes in content use, and future technological developments is necessary.”

Musicians exploring the following styles of music can apply:

Traditional
Fusion
Soul
Afropop
Hip hop
Reggae
Electro
Jazz

Requirements

Interested musicians should submit the following:

Artist profile/biography.
Links to the latest audio and visual release.
Two hi-res promotional photos.
Stage plan and technical rider (if available).
Artists from outside the region are usually required to find travel sponsors.

REMA will provide the following:

Modest honorarium towards performance fees.
Accommodation and meals.
All local transport related to the performance.
Reimbursement of visa fees upon the presentation of receipts.
Reimbursement of costs related to COVID-19 testing, in the event that they are required for travel upon the presentation of receipts.
Full access to all event activities, including panels, workshops, keynotes and speed meeting sessions.

The application form is available here.

The application deadline is 19 September 2021 and successful applicants will be notified by 10 October.

Accreditation for journalists and delegates is ongoing here.

Note: There will be translation services for delegates from English-speaking countries.