Open call: MTN Bushfire, ARMC Arts Round Table online workshops

The workshops are in line with MTN Bushfire’s “Bring Your Fire” call to action for positive social and environmental change. The partnership is designed to reinforce the festival’s longstanding commitment to supporting sustainable arts development.

The workshops will be held on 6 March and 10 April. Interested participants are invited to apply here. The first workshop will be held under the topic Music Publishing and Copyright Masterclass, while the second workshop will focus on How to Monetise Your Music in 2025.

Initially a three-year partnership formed in 2022, MTN Bushfire and ARMC continue to be one of Africa’s leading collaborations, building bridges and offering showcase opportunities between the African and European music markets.

“Collaborations like this importantly link creative industry stakeholders and facilitate the sharing of best practices, fundamentally supporting the development of Africa’s creative economy,” MTN Bushfire director Jiggs Thorne said. “The incredible value and positive outcomes achieved through this partnership have inspired the extension of MTN Bushfire and ARMC’s joint efforts towards ensuring that the benefits of the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table reach even further.”

Focus territories to date have included The Netherlands/Dutch (2022), Germany, Switzerland and Austria (2023), and the United Kingdom (2024). In 2025 the focus territory extends to Luxembourg, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

ARMC founder Sarah Jane Nicholson, said: “Our renewed partnership with MTN Bushfire continues to be a vital bridge between eSwatini, Africa, and international markets—equipping artists and industry professionals with the knowledge and networks to thrive. The impact we’ve seen, from enhanced distribution to policy support and artist exchanges, reaffirms the importance of long-term collaboration. We’re excited to keep building this ecosystem together, driving innovation, and amplifying African talent worldwide.”

Since the inception of the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table workshops in 2012, over 1 100 artists have benefited. Through the MTN Bushfire and ARMC partnership, notable outcomes have included the introduction and increase in music distribution globally for ten eSwatini artists through Paradise Worldwide. The partnership has also resulted in the support for, and contributions towards the development of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), Eswatini artist bookings in Europe, as well as young industry professional exchange opportunities in Germany in 2024.