Call for applications: Music writers in South Africa

The RSFAM project is underpinned by an online and on-the-ground research initiative to collect and analyse big data on the earning trends of music professionals. It will deduce the findings into definitive revenue models that work for musicians in different locations in South Africa, and provide training, educational content and digital tools related to the identified models.

Article requirements

The main purpose of the content is to help musicians understand fully how specific revenue streams work in South Africa. The MIAF is doing this with a view to assist musicians to fully understand revenue streams so that they can maximise their revenue earning opportunities. Writers will be tasked to produce easy-to-understand educational copy that is pragmatic and accurate. 

The general structure of articles/guides will seek to provide:

• A clear introduction or overview of a particular revenue stream (refer to attached list below, in PDF, for potential revenue streams).
• How the revenue stream works in South Africa (providing real-world examples).
• How artists can adopt and fully maximise the revenue stream(s). YouTube videos to embed in the articles will be acceptable.
• Potential partners, organisations or bodies that are important to know or to be a member of. For example, a topic on music royalties should cover all the legal entities involved in the value chain.

The revenue streams identified cover five main categories: 

1. Music rights (these include different streams, e.g. broadcasting royalties, sync licences, caller tunes, etc.).
2. Live performances (e.g. ticket sales and live performance fees).
3. Services (e.g. teaching, producer and session work fees).
4. Brand-related revenue (e.g. merchandise sales, appearances on television and other platforms, advertising revenue, etc.).
5. Grants and funding revenue (e.g. crowdfunding, NGO grants and non-fungible tokens).

Please refer to the attached PDF below for the full list of revenue streams. Please note that this document is meant to provide applicants with an idea of the project. Not all revenue streams will require an article.

Delivery details

• Article length: Between 600 and 1 200.
• Duration: One month from the commissioning date (starting date: immediately). 
• Remuneration: A fixed amount is offered per article.

Authors are expected to use clear, simple language and frame the topics, which will be informed by the RSFAM research project, in a way that anyone can understand and apply, while avoiding their own personal opinions. 

A detailed outline and style guide will be provided, and the texts are expected to conform to guidelines provided by the MIAF.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of the topic (i.e. in the fields of music rights, brand-related revenue, grants and funding, etc.).
• Experience in writing.
• Good writing skills (English).
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional music knowledge.
• Desire to contribute to the local music industry.

Contact

If you are interested, send your application to Ms Jannike Bergh at jannike@musicinafrica.net before 15 October 2021.

Your application must include the following:

• A CV detailing your experience.
• Short motivational letter expressing your expert knowledge in the relevant field(s) of revenue streams for South African musicians.
• Examples of previous writing (links are acceptable).

About the Music In Africa Foundation 

The MIAF is a pan-African, non-profit organisation based in Rosebank, Johannesburg, with satellite offices in East, West and Central Africa. The MIAF’s mission is to support the African music sector through promoting knowledge exchange and creating opportunities and capacity for music professionals. We do this in two ways: digitally via the Music In Africa website (www.musicinafrica.net) and offline through training programmes, artist mobility programmes, workshops, concerts, lobbying, conferences and other related initiatives.

RSFAM project partners

The Music In Africa Revenue Streams for African Musicians project is supported by UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity in the framework of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Siemens Cents4Sense programme, Goethe-Institut, the National Arts Council of South Africa and Kaya FM. 

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