Call for scores: African Art Music Commissioning Project in Nigeria

The African Art Music Commissioning Project seeks to promote works that use an Afrocentric compositional/theoretical framework, specifically using resources, processes and elements (sonic, structural and stylistic) relevant to the African musical landscape.

To apply, applicants should submit a sample and representative work that shows the applicant’s compositional voice, technique and mastery. Generally, the length of the sample piece should not exceed 10 minutes. The organisation generally prefers pieces within seven minutes.

Eligibility requirement

• This opportunity is open to everyone. However, the organisers prefer candidates interested in African art music or Afrocentric compositions.

Criteria for commissioned piece

• Afrocentric approaches.
• Use of African resources and musical idioms.
• Indigenous sonic exploration.
• African stylistic and structural basis.
• Research-oriented pieces with a theoretical underpinning.

Application materials

• Sample work (applicants should not include your name on the score).
• 1- to 2-page résumé (highlighting your composition portfolio).
• Sample work (recordings and scores up to 10 minutes).

Review process

The review committee, chaired by Dr Ayo Oluranti, will evaluate submitted pieces through a blind process and select composers who will be invited to the next stage. Composers who advance to the next phase will partake in seminars and workshops and then be commissioned to compose for this new-music concert. The committee reserves the right to select and disqualify any application.

Incentives to commissioned composer

• Àkójopò will provide professional musicians to perform selected pieces (or composers may also provide their own performers).
• Composers will receive a professional high-quality video and audio recording of their work.
• Àkójopò is also working on starting its publishing initiative; selected composers will be invited for publication consideration.
• Invitation letter to attend the performance in Lagos, Nigeria (composers living outside Nigeria will cover their own visa and travel costs).

Submission procedure

• Applicants should submit electronically, in the form of musical scores, graphic scores, PDF, texts, fixed media, or digital audio files (MP3, MP4 or MIDI formats) to the concert project team at concert@akojopo.com before 11.59pm GMT on 31 January.
• In the cover email, applicants should include their names, affiliation, email addresses and phone numbers.
• The selection committee will evaluate submissions anonymously, and applicants will be notified by 15 February.
• Selected composers and arrangers will be issued certificates of recognition.
• For further questions and/or information, applicants should email concert@akojopo.com.

Timeline

• 31 January: Application deadline.
• 12 February: Blind review and selection by the review committee.
• 15 February: Invite and commission recipient.
• February and March 2023: Recipients participate in online seminars and workshops.
• 15 March: Update from composers on instrumentation/medium.
• 15 April: Progress reports from composers.
• 30 April: Technical feedback from the review committee to composers.
• 15 May: Commissioned compositions due.
• 15 June: Programme notes and performance instructions due.
• July TBD: Premiere commissioned works.

View the original call here.