Call for applications: ACCES 2018 showcases

ACCES, which is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in a different African city every year, will offer a robust programme and platforms for performers to showcase their talent to a diverse audience of local and international delegates, including festival curators, promoters, booking agents, record labels and other influential audiences.

Launched in Dakar in 2017, the event includes training workshops, panel discussions, presentations, live performances, networking sessions, exhibitions and visits to key music industry hubs in the host city. Delegates from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the event this year.

The deadline for applications is 29 June 2018 (midnight CAT).                      

Who can apply?

ACCES showcases are meant for emerging musicians who can deliver outstanding live performances and are ready for the international stage. ACCES curators are also looking for musicians who will genuinely benefit from the opportunity. As this event is happening in Kenya, emphasis will also be on local bands with a view to showcase the best in Kenyan live music.

• This call is open to African musicians (solo artists, bands, DJs etc.) based on the continent.
• All genres are welcome.
• All participants must be over 18 years old.
• All applications must be based on live performances. No backing tracks.

Performances supporting political parties or religious faith will not be permissible.

• Applicants should be prepared to be available for the duration of ACCES and to perform on any of the dates (15-17 November 2018).

Support from ACCES

• Performers will receive a modest honorarium.
• Performers will be provided with local transport (related to the performance).
• Performers from outside Nairobi will be provided accommodation (related to the performance).
• Performers from outside Nairobi will receive a per diem.
• VISA costs will be reimbursed against receipts.
• Performers will be granted full access passes to ACCES activities.
• Performers will be promoted across Music In Africa and ACCES platforms (programme, newsletters, press releases, website, social media).
• ACCES will provide regular sound and lighting plus basic shared backline.
• Media exposure.
• ACCES will provide tools for the performers and their reps to get in touch with new contacts and audiences, as well as B2B meetings.

NB: Musicians based outside Nairobi should be prepared to provide own funding for transport costs to and from Nairobi. The Music In Africa Foundation will strive to support musicians to apply for funding from available networks and partners but cannot guarantee that this will be successful, so please be sure that you are prepared for this before you apply. Only musicians from MIAConnects countries (Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Nigeria Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan) will receive automatic travel costs from the MIAConnects Mobility Programme if they are selected.

How to apply?  

Please note that your application is based on your Music In Africa profile. Here is an example of a profile: www.musicinafrica.net/directory/bantu

Your profile should have the following:

1. Clear biography.
2. At least three latest song releases.
3. At least one video performance.
4. At least two high-resolution promotional photos.
5. Social media links.

Steps to apply

• Read the call for applications carefully.
• Create (if you haven’t already) a profile on the Music in Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: www.musicinafrica.net/user/register. Make sure that your profile is up to date, as this is the profile that the curation committee will review. Your profile must include a clear biography, a minimum of three tracks, one live performance video, two high-resolution promotional photos and social media links. 
• Please note: You may find your profile already created by a Music in Africa contributor. In that case, you would need to follow the online steps to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update the information.
• Complete and submit the online application form (the link is provided at the end of this call). Two application forms are provided – in French and English. Email applications will not be considered.

Please note: The form will not allow applicants to save and complete later. Before you complete it, make sure you have all the required documents that will need to be attached.

Selection Process

Deadline for applications: 29 June 2018 (midnight CAT)

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the ACCES Curation Committee.
• Successful applicants will be notified by 10 August 2018.
• Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

Application forms

You can apply in French or English.

Access the ENGLISH application form here.

Access the FRENCH application form here.

For enquiries and information, email: claire@musicinafrica.net

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