ACCES 2024 Masterclasses - Call for applications

ACCES 2024 masterclasses are designed for emerging and established artists, as well as industry professionals, to gain first-hand expertise and guidance from international music executives on a series of critical topics.

The masterclasses, which are organised in partnership with Ditto Music, Sony Music Publishing and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), will be as follows:

1. Mastering digital music distribution: boost your online presence and reach

The masterclass aims to guide participants through the process of distributing their music on leading digital platforms while introducing proven marketing strategies to strengthen their online presence. Attendees will explore the intricacies of digital music distribution, learn how to prepare their tracks for global release, and develop an effective marketing plan to maximise their reach. Additionally, they will gain insider knowledge on pitching their music to major platforms and standing out in the competitive digital music landscape. This class will be led by Wendy Verwey Bekker (Ditto Music regional manager Africa, South Africa).

2. Music publishing 101: protect your work and maximise royalties

The masterclass is tailored for songwriters, composers, band managers, and aspiring music industry professionals. It serves as a gateway for participants to understand how to protect their copyrights, collect royalties, and navigate the music publishing landscape with confidence. Industry experts and creatives will provide valuable insights, breaking down essential strategies—from registering works to negotiating publishing and licensing deals. Participants will also gain practical tools and insider knowledge to master the legal, creative, and business aspects of music publishing, ensuring they maximise the value of their creative output. The trainer for this session will be Rowlin Naicker (Sony Music Publishing managing director, South Africa).

3. Maximise your songwriting revenue – think global

This session will explore how songwriters, managers, and publishers can manage their data to collect royalties globally, including from the largest streaming market, the US. Since 2021, The MLC has distributed over $2 billion to rights holders worldwide. Participants will learn effective strategies for ensuring they receive the royalties they are owed from international markets. This session will be led by Indi Chawla (Head of international relations at the Mechanical Licensing Collective in the UK).

The classes will be presented in English.

Benefits

• Learn proven strategies to distribute your music globally and enhance your online presence across major platforms.
• Gain insights on protecting your work, managing copyrights, and collecting royalties from international markets.
• Receive first-hand advice from top industry professionals on music distribution, publishing, and global revenue management.
• Participants will attend a networking lunch after the masterclass.  
• This is an excellent opportunity to join the Music In Africa network.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be able to attend the entire masterclass programme from 11am to 3pm on the 16th of November.
• ⁠Participants must be over 18 years of age.
• Participants must be able to cover costs to attend the training (transport).
• Good command of English.

How to apply

• ⁠Participants can apply Here. Only complete applications will be considered.
• Please ensure all required fields are completed before submitting the form. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

Applications close on 25 October at 12.pm CAT, and all applicants will be notified by 1 November.

View the full masterclass programme here.

For information and enquiries, please contact Ms Claire Metais at claire@musicinafrica.net.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES 2024 is organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit pan-African organisation, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Ministry of Youth and Arts in Rwanda (MINIYOUTH), Siemens Stiftung, the French Institute, Goethe-Institut and Mundi Center. View ACCES sponsors and partners here.