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Fally Ipupa dévoile « Ami chéri » et « Bonheur parfait », deux extraits de XX Delirium

Fally Ipupa dévoile « Ami chéri » et « Bonheur parfait », deux extraits de XX Delirium

Angélique Kidjo réunit Pharrell Williams et Quavo dans le clip de « Bando »

Angélique Kidjo réunit Pharrell Williams et Quavo dans le clip de « Bando »

SoundCloud permet aux artistes de vendre directement leur musique aux fans

SoundCloud permet aux artistes de vendre directement leur musique aux fans

Appel ouvert : Beyond Music Jams réunit musiciens et professionnels à Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud

Appel ouvert : Beyond Music Jams réunit musiciens et professionnels à Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud

Salif Keïta annule ses concerts en Afrique du Sud pour dénoncer les violences xénophobes

Salif Keïta annule ses concerts en Afrique du Sud pour dénoncer les violences xénophobes

Appel ouvert: Jusqu’à 50 000 € pour soutenir les festivals d’Afrique de l’Ouest

Appel ouvert: Jusqu’à 50 000 € pour soutenir les festivals d’Afrique de l’Ouest

Appel ouvert : CIMFEST 2026 lance un appel aux artistes, DJ et danseurs

Appel ouvert : CIMFEST 2026 lance un appel aux artistes, DJ et danseurs

Angélique Kidjo entre dans l’histoire sur le Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo entre dans l’histoire sur le Hollywood Walk of Fame

Appel à candidatures : les villes africaines invitées à se porter candidates pour accueillir ACCES en 2027 et 2028

Appel à candidatures : les villes africaines invitées à se porter candidates pour accueillir ACCES en 2027 et 2028

Appel ouvert : le Festival INSTANT TOGO II recherche des programmateurs et diffuseurs

Appel ouvert : le Festival INSTANT TOGO II recherche des programmateurs et diffuseurs

Appel à projets : Connect & Create soutient la circulation des spectacles vivants et de la musique entre l’Afrique et l’Europe

Appel à projets : Connect & Create soutient la circulation des spectacles vivants et de la musique entre l’Afrique et l’Europe

Appel ouvert : le programme She Got Game ouvert aux créatrices de jeux vidéo africaines

Appel ouvert : le programme She Got Game ouvert aux créatrices de jeux vidéo africaines

NEFCISA
NEFCISA

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for its Social Employment Fund (SEF). Through this collaboration, MIAF is launching a new national programme designed to create jobs, address skills gaps, and strengthen South Africa’s creative industries — in line with the SEF’s overarching goal to generate work for the common good and build community value through employment, social contribution, and inclusive economic participation. Operating under the banner NEFCISA (National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa), the initiative will recruit and train participants, match them with host organisations, and place a minimum of 1 000 workers across the country. Key Objectives: Support employment and entrepreneurship in the creative industries. Offer skills development and training programmes. Foster partnerships between public and private creative sectors. Promote South African creativity at both provincial and national levels Foster community development through social contribution.

ACCES
ACCES

Chaque année, nous fournissons des informations générales afin de guider les participants dans la préparation de leur voyage. En plus de ce site, des mises à jour importantes seront envoyées par e-mail à tous les délégués inscrits. Assurez-vous de vous inscrire dès que possible. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez contacter [email protected] Continuez à consulter cette page pour plus d'information.  

Gender@Work
Gender@Work

Music In Africa Gender @ Work is a three-year training programme aimed at upskilling and increasing the participation of female professionals in the African music sector. Launched by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in April 2019, the programme is connected to the MIAF’s ACCES music conference – a pan-African event held in a different African country every year. This connection enables the programme to reach new participants in a different African country every year. The programme marks the beginning of a more concerted effort by the Foundation to support the participation and inclusion of women in all facets of its programmes and the music sector in Africa as a whole. Over the three years, the programme will aim to address gender imbalances in the sector through training, lobbying, facilitating knowledge exchange and dialogues that foster the interest of women. The broader objectives of the programme are to: Provide industry training for women on critical music industry skills, focusing on: Stage management Electronic music production and recording Music business management Technical knowledge Provide an opportunity for both professional and aspiring women to benefit from the Music In Africa network and its broad range of activities in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Provide a solution-based platform in the form of a round table at ACCES with a view to identify challenges, discuss opportunities and lobby for the interests of female practitioners. Offer participants the opportunity to benefit from programmes offered by MIAF’s partners. Increase access to educational materials. Integrate participants in the broader ACCES programme to maximise experience and exposure to the industry. Record and present training materials on the www.musicinafrica.net, including but not limited to tutorials, templates and other best-practice materials. Communicate women-based themes that support the initiatives and messages of the programme. MAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES Training in first country (Ghana): In the first year, participants will be trained on all aspects of stage management by a team of experienced stage managers from 10 to 17 November 2019. The programme will offer robust classroom training as well as practical, hands-on training in which participants will also be given the opportunity to manage various aspects of the ACCES performance programme. Training in second country: The second training iteration will take place at ACCES 2020 when the programme will diversify its course to include music production lessons and training on other music business topics. A round-table platform will also be introduced to coincide with the ACCES programme. Training in third country: The third training iteration will take place at ACCES 2021 in a different country, offering an advanced course. HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED?  As a participant, facilitator or trainer: The programme enrolls up to 12 trainees every year. All opportunities are advertised publicly on this website, and will be added to this page. Please keep checking this page for new calls (below under UPDATES & CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES). As a partner Please contact Claire Metais at [email protected]. APPLY The call for applications for 2020 will be announced soon. The Music In Africa Gender @ Work programme is made possible with the support of the Prince Claus Fund, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut.

Sound Connects Fund
Sound Connects Fund

Pour les praticiens et les organisations culturels et créatifs opérant en Afrique australe, l’accès au financement reste un défi majeur. La pandémie de COVID-19 a également eu un impact massif sur les politiques gouvernementales, les dépenses et l’économie en général, et a vu les dépenses consacrées à la culture reléguées plus bas dans la liste des priorités. De plus, les industries culturelles et créatives citent régulièrement quatre domaines principaux où l’investissement est nécessaire pour la croissance : une visibilité accrue, la mobilité incluant l’accès à de nouveaux marchés, le financement et les structures de soutien.

Music In Africa Live
Music In Africa Live

MUSIC IN AFRICA LIVE Lancé en 2020 pour une durée de 3 ans, Music In Africa Live est une initiative visant à soutenir l'écosystème de la musique africaine face aux contraintes imposées par la pandémie de COVID-19 ; le projet a été lancé par la Fondation Music In Africa (MIAF) en partenariat avec le ministère fédéral allemand des Affaires étrangères, Siemens Stiftung et le Goethe Institut. Plus de 30 aides sont disponibles dans le cadre de la troisième édition de Music In Africa Live, dans 3 catégories :  showcases, renforcement des compétences et plaidoyer, en conformité avec les modalités énoncées.

Instrument Building And Repair Project
Instrument Building And Repair Project

The overarching objective of Music In Africa Foundation’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project is to encourage the formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making and repair in Africa, especially in relation to indigenous African instruments. Background In 2014, the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) identified as one of its focus areas for development the need to encourage young people from music and music-related sectors to consider instrument-making as a career. This need extended itself from the recognition that the making of traditional African instruments is not a widely practiced skill and seems to be limited to the older generation. Traditional African instrument makers are also few and far between, making communication and logistics between teachers and learners an obstacle. When instrument building workshops take place, budgetary constraints do not allow teachers or learners the time to explore the finer details of an instrument. Based on these observations, the MIAF designed and piloted the first IBR workshop at the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) in Zanzibar in February 2015. In 2016, the foundation received funding from the South African National Lotteries Commission to implement a much bigger version of the project in Johannesburg. The project drew participants from five African countries. 25 students from South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya and Ethiopia were trained on how to build and repair musical instruments. The instruments that they made were: Traditional Instruments: Umakhweyana and Marimba Conventional Instrument: Dulcimer guitar The workshop culminated in a traditional instruments concert at the Wits Theatre in Johannesburg. It is the MIAF’s aim to roll out similar workshops in as many African countries as possible over the next few years. Objectives Developing awareness of musical instrument makers in Africa with a view to promote their work to a wider global audience. Facilitating the sharing and transfer of skills in indigenous instruments between countries on the continent. Encouraging the formalisation and professionalisation of instrument-making and repair in Africa, especially in relation to indigenous instruments. Helping instrument makers develop their careers. Fostering the rapid monetisation and sustainable development of instrument-making and repair in Africa. Promoting constant exchange of ideas, expertise, experiences and know-how among instrument makers in Africa. Facilitating the identification of existing gaps in the field with a view to contribute new solutions. Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills of indigenous instruments between younger and older generations. 2020 edition The MIAF has also announced that multi-instrumentalist and instrument maker Joe Makhanza will facilitate one of the workshops on the building of the kamale ngoni instrument. Kamale ngoni is a kora-like, stringed instrument that originated in West Africa. The instrument contributed to the rise of Wassoulou music in the 1970s and 1990s. Makhanza was born in Giyani in South Africa's Limpopo province. He completed a bachelor of music degree and a post-graduate diploma in arts marketing from Wits University. He is currently completing his masters in ethnomusicology and is a part-time lecturer in African music studies at Rhodes University. He plays the kora, mbira, valiha, masenqo, xiwewe, ngoni ba and xizambi, among others. He also manufactures the aforementioned instruments. The MIAF will confirm more trainers who will join the workshops as well as the other instruments that will be featured in the 2020 IBR programme.  Apply to participate here. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter. The Music In Africa Instrument Building and Repair project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission. It is implemented in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, Wits Theatre and Kaya FM.

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Music and media in Sierra Leone

Accueil/Non classé/Music and media in Sierra Leone

What platforms make or break an artist? Who has the last word when it comes to promoting musicians? This article presents an overview of the media sources in Sierra Leone and how they relate to the spreading and development of music.

Population and accessibility to media

With a population of 6.7 million people, 65% of which live in hard to reach rural areas, Sierra Leone depends largely on radio as most accessible media source. A 2015 survey by BBC Media showed that 81% of Sierra Leoneans have access to radio; 47% of those with that access listen to it daily. This figure makes radio by far the biggest medium in the country, as opposed to the internet (16%), television (45% and only in urban centres) and newspapers (13%). One-fifth of the total population has no access to any sort of media.

Radio

History

The launch of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services (SLBS)  in 1934 marked the start of a radio-dominated media landscape. Since then, the number of active radio stations has risen to 50. Of these 50 active radio stations, many have a small broadcasting range and are therefore excluded from what follows.

Popularity

There are numerous distinguished radio programs and DJs that have a direct impact on the scene. For example, the Jimmy B show on AiRadio is known for hosting key figures of the music industry, and a feature on Radio Democracy’s Share Ad Day can enhance an artist’s career. Because of their impact, most radio stations attract sponsors such as Heineken, Africell (Air Radio and Radio Democracy) and Airtel, who thereby associate their brand with innovation and progress in the industry. This popularity also aids corrupt behaviour, as some DJs need to be bribed by artists to get their music played on air.

The following are the most important radio stations in terms of music content.

Radio Democracy (98.1 FM)

Radio Democracy is the second most popular radio station in the Western Area (including Freetown) and supports the Sierra Leonean music industry through several programs. The first notable contribution it provides is the talent scout ‘the Voice of Democracy’, where young contestants can submit music through Whatsapp and win a record deal and some money. The second is Share Ad Day, a weekly interview program with those active in the music industry. Radio Democracy is sponsored by Africell, one of two major mobile network companies in the country.

AiRadio (105.3 FM in Freetown)

Owned by Africell, AiRadio hosts several key programs that deal with the music industry. It broadcasts to Bo (104.5 FM), Makeni (97.5 FM), Kono (106.9 FM) and Kenema (102.9), and is therefore one of the most widely broadcast stations. These four programs all specialise around Sierra Leonean music, (please see footnotes for times and dates): Shake Ed Dae, presented by Master Jaye, The Jimmy B Show, presented by Jimmy Bangura, What’s Happening breakfast show with Undisputed Reg and Boogie Down with Tamba B.

Capital Radio (104.9 FM)

Capital Radio has been broadcasting since 2005 and is a 100% English-speaking radio station. They spend a substantial amount of air-time playing music. However, they are primarily focused on international music. There is, however, a radio show that deals with Sierra Leonean music: the ‘Come Alive’ show with Uzo Desmond.

Culture Radio (104.5 FM)

Culture Radio is a Rastafarian radio station that concentrates on reggae music. They also host a show that promotes hip hop. They currently produce the television program ‘Rap News’, in which news is presented in rap form.

SLBC (100 FM)

Starting off as SLBS, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is the first English-speaking broadcasting service in West Africa. It is owned by the Sierra Leonean government. In 2010, SLBS merged with the peacekeeping station of the United Nations and became SLBC. The most notable program dedicated to music is the Salone Top 10 presented by King Millan.

Television

History

Sierra Leone has been broadcasting since 1963 through the state-owned SLBS (now SLBC). Currently, terrestrial television includes five local channels, SLBC, Star TV, African Young Voices, Kedar Faith TV and Destiny Television. Only the first three are currently airing.

African Young Voices

African Young Voices (or AYV) started airing in 2015. It produces three programmes that play Sierra Leonean music: the AYV Playlist that airs daily, the weekly Gateway and the Africa Top Ten that is broadcast on Saturdays. As the most watched television station its programme play a significant role in giving an artist visibility in the industry. The artist Succulent had a video repeatedly shown on AYV. 

Secondly, the last episode of AYV Empire Cypher uncensored, a reality rap program that has added a contest element, was aired on 4 March 2017. The program featured six crews battling for a cash price and the production of five songs and two videos.

Star TV

Star television started broadcasting in 2015. It broadcasts a top 10 show called ‘Salone Talent’ every Saturday from 8 – 9 pm. It features Sierra Leonean talent, including diaspora artists and is hosted by Bash and Rabi.

SLBC TV

SLBC television hosts one of the most popular and influential shows that on Sierra Leonean music. Sponsored by Airtel, the Ellen Keister Airtel Salone top 10 airs every Saturday and interviews artists while showing the most popular songs of the week. The second program is the Salone Star Parade, where King Millan interviews prominent figures in the entertainment industry. SLBC is broadcast in the Western Area, Bo, Kenema and Makeni.

Printed press, online magazines and newspapers

In 1801, the Sierra Leonean Gazette launched its first issue, marking the start of the printed press in Sierra Leone. Nowadays there are about 40 newspapers, most of which have low circulation and some only print when the paper secures sufficient funds. Furthermore, only 13% of the population read newspapers. Music is rarely featured in these papers and there are no printed magazines. Therefore this section will present online magazines and newspapers. Links to the websites are added in the footnotes.

Magazines

The Patriotic Vanguard

The Patriotic Vanguard is an online news portal that offers in-depth articles on Sierra Leonean music and culture. Topics include traditional music, music policy and the cultural significance of music. The website launched in 2009.

Sierra Express Media

Sierra Express Media is an online and printed newspaper that has a worldwide audience, mainly with the Sierra Leonean diaspora. It offers some reporting on music, both internationally and nationally.

Awoko

Although there are few publications on music, Awoko does feature Sierra Leonean music and events that are important for the industry.

New media platforms

One of the new players in the information game are the new media platforms, including Whatsapp groups, online blogs and Facebook groups. They are user-driven sources of information and offer an alternative to the established news websites. However, only 310 000 people are said to use the internet, a mere 4.6% of the total population (6.7 million). As only 38% of adult Sierra Leoneans are literate, the information exchange of these platforms only reaches a minority of the civilians.

This does not mean that these platforms have no influence; those involved in the music industry and its main target audience are literate and active on social media platforms. Whatsapp Groups, with their maximum capacity of 256 members, offer platforms for producers, fans, musicians and DJs where they can advertise, share and inform their peers.

Online blogs

These online blogs report frequently on music in Sierra Leone. Some of the blogs are highly subjective and not always reliable. However, they do portray the general atmosphere of the industry and have a strong influence on the opinions of their readers. These platforms are accessed and sometimes operated (for example Salone Starz Entertainment) by Sierra Leoneans living abroad.

Switsalone

Run by Vicky Remoe since 2015, Switsalone offers articles on entertainment, including music.

SLMTV

SLMTV, an acronym for Sierra Leone Music Television has been online since 2000. They do not only write about music, but offer online catalogue of videos by Sierra Leonean artists.

Salone Starz entertainment

This website offers information on Sierra Leonean arts and entertainment.

Sierra Loaded

Sierra Loaded was launched in 2014 and offers articles on diaspora and local Sierra Leonean musicians.

Conclusion

Radio wins as the major player in the promotion and distribution of music in Sierra Leone. New platforms, however, will increase their influence as the accessibility to smartphones rises. Hopefully, Sierra Leonean music will attain more of an international status, and its artists at some point will play alongside big Nigerian and Ghanian artists.

Notes and resources

  •  Freetown, Makeni and Bo fall under the category urban centres
  • Share Ad Day, Wednesdays from 1 – 3 pm
  • Shake Ed Dae- Wednesday’s 1- 4 p.m. The Jimmy B Show – every last Sunday of the month at 9 p.m. What’s Happening Breakfast show – Tuesday 10 a.m. Boogie Down – Saturday 12 pm
  • Come Alive – Saturday at 3 pm
  • “World broadcasting, a Comparative View,” by Allan Wells (page 173)
  • Supervised by the Sierra Leone ministry of Information and Communication, (http://www.slbc.sl/about-us-2/)
  • http://ayvnews.com/all-shows/scheduler
  • Salone Star Parade – Tuesday 11 pm
  • Patriotic Vanguard
  • Sierra Express
  • Awoko
  • SLBC, About us
  • More information and statistics on media platforms in Sierra Leone can be found in this BBC report.
  • Other statistics on media in general in Sierra Leone can be gotten here
  • AYV News, “AYV ends Cypher Uncensored Season One,” March 20th 2017
  • Internet World Stats
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