Call for artists: 2016 Fête de la Musique in Johannesburg

In South Africa the first Fête de la Musique was inaugurated in 2010 in Port Elizabeth. Last year some 30 000 music lovers were drawn to various events around the country, including at a new venue in Johannesburg at Newtown Junction. This year the Fête returns to Newtown on Saturday 18 June.

With three months still to go, the organisers recently unveiled the names of the headlining acts. Like every year, this festive celebration is also an opportunity to introduce to Joburg some of the best French acts. This year it will be the turn of French jazz accordionist Daniel Mille; Zanmari Baré and his creole maloya from Reunion Island; French DJs/producers Jess & Crabbe, who have helped promote Kuduro and other Afro-electronic sounds to the world, and six-piece funk band Vaudou Game, led by charismatic Togolese frontman Peter Solo.

The event is hosted by the local Alliance Française and Institut Francais, supported by Total SA. The musical entertainment on the day will be co-produced by the Bassline, an iconic live music venue in Newtown.

How to apply

Besides the above international headliners, the event also focuses on local South Africa talent, as well as newcomers. The organisers are therefore calling on musicians and bands of all music genres, both amateur and professional, to apply to perform and join in the spirit of Fête de la Musique in Newtown on Saturday 18 June 2016.

To apply, first download the application form, then email the completed form along with required material (bios, photos, technical rider, sound clips, video links and press kit) to [email protected]

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2016.

According to Justine Guschlbauer, Cultural Coordinator at the Alliance Francaise in Johannesburg, "The Fete de la Musique is open to everyone - all musicians, professional or non-professional, South African or not, based in Gauteng or outside the area. Our goal is to promote music - South African music and also international music - and to be a platform for emerging talents."

For more information visit the Fête de la Musique Johannesburg website or Facebook page. For highlights of last year’s event, watch the video below.