Call for applications: Female-only music industry training in Tanzania

Thanks to an exciting three-year partnership with Scènes Australes and Accès Culture, Gender@Work expands its course offering to include training in music business management, curated internships, an extended learning period, online classes and mentorship sessions. For the first time Gender@Work is also extending participation eligibility to participants based in the Indian Ocean.

With a strong focus on skills related to the live music sector, the training programme offers theoretical and practical courses, delivered both online and offline by top trainers and music industry experts from Africa, the Indian Ocean and Europe. 

The course for 2023 will comprise two key modules:

Music Business (online module with classes in October 2023)

Module overview

With the Music Business module, learners will dive deep into the fundamental aspects of the music industry. In this intense online course, we’ll explore the key components of the music business value chain, management principles, branding and marketing strategies, and critical topics like intellectual property. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, manager or entrepreneur in the music industry, this module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic music business space successfully.

As part of the online module, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Additional benefits include mentorship sessions and possible further internships at other events and music businesses in Africa and Reunion Island.

Event Production (classes to be attended in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 5 to 11 November 2023)

This module covers:

• Keys to producing a successful music event: festival data, event planning, budgeting, partnerships fundraising.
• Stage management: stage design and construction, scheduling shows and sound checks, technical rider analysis, backline, artist liaison, crisis management, gender and social challenges in the music industry.
• Live sound engineering (introduction): audio fundamentals, sound systems, mixing, safety, equipment.
• Stage lighting (introduction): lighting design and control, equipment, lighting plots, rigging.

The practical learning provides all trainees an opportunity to intern at ACCES – a three-day music trade show featuring concerts, conferences and exhibitions. This immersive module covers all facets of production, including stage management, conference logistics, stage sound, stage lighting and artist liaison. Additional benefits include mentorship sessions, networking and possible further internships at other events and music businesses in Africa and Reunion Island.

The application deadline is 27 August 2023 (midnight CAT).

Who can apply?

This call is open to aspiring female music executives and event and stage managers based on the continent and in the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mayotte and Reunion), who meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two (2) years of experience, preferably in the live performance environment in positions such as stage manager, stage assistant, sound/lighting technician, or similar related positions.
• Although not mandatory, a relevant tertiary qualification will be advantageous.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Be prepared to be available for the full duration of the programme: from 1 October 2023 and from 5 to 11 November (estimated arrival in Dar es Salaam on 4 November, departure from Dar es Salaam on 12 November) and to travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• Have a valid passport that allows for travel in November 2023 (required passport validity: six months from arrival in Tanzania).
• Be able to follow the programme in English.

Support for participants

• Accommodation, meals and local transport (related to the training) will be provided.
• Flights will be provided for participants outside Tanzania to travel to and from Dar es Salaam.
• Travel costs (bus) will be covered for participants based in Tanzania outside Dar es Salaam.
• VISA costs will be reimbursed.
• A modest allowance will be provided.
• A certificate of completion will be delivered at the end of the training.

How to apply

• Complete and submit the online application form here by 27 August 2023 (midnight CAT).
• You will be required to provide a CV or profile with at least three contactable references.
• Email applications will not be considered.

Selection process

• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.]
• All applicants will be notified by 11 September 2023.

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

More about the programme

The Music In Africa Gender@Work training programme is implemented in partnership with Scène Australes, with the support of the Institut Français and the French Development Agency within the framework of the Access Culture programme, Women In Live Music, Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut and Région Réunion.

Scènes Australes

Scenes Australes is a French non-profit organisation committed to the promotion of traditional and modern music and artists from all over the Indian Ocean area. Scènes Australes participates in the organisation of the two biggest festivals on the Reunion Island: Sakifo Musik Festival and Les Francofolies de La Réunion. It also finances 100% of the organisation of the Indian Ocean Music Market (IOMMA).

Music In Africa Foundation

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is a non-profit, pan-African organisation with operations across Africa. Its mission is to support the music sector through promoting knowledge exchange and creating opportunities and capacity for those who operate in it. The MIAF does this in two ways: digitally via the Music In Africa website and offline through artist mobility programmes, workshops, training programmes, concerts, lobbying, conferences and other related initiatives.