Call for submissions: SA Indies Music Week 2017

The project’s finals will take place from 6-10 February 2017 at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City in Johannesburg.

The project will allow artists to access opportunities to showcase their music at international events like Primavera Pro in Spain, Africa Festival in Germany, Midem in France and South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin – Texas.

Participation at the international events is subject to funding availability. Funding covers flight tickets, ground transportation, accommodation and festival passes. Artists need to cover their own visa costs, travel insurance and lunch and supper. There are no payments made for showcasing at the events. A maximum of four band members per band are covered and also per their SA Indies Music Week performance.  

To date, more than 15 artists have already been taken by IMEXSA to participate at these international events.  

Selection process

The selection process has two phases. Firstly, artists need to complete an online form that is available on the IMEXSA website under the submissions tab. The tab will directly applicants to the SA Indies Music Week website where they can submit their details. After the closing date, IMEXSA selection committee will select finalists who will be invited to come to The Lyric Theatre to showcase in front of the local and international selection committee.

This event also comprises of intense music industry workshops also offered by the local and international music industry experts. At the end of the week-long event, selected artists will be announced.

 This project is done mainly to help achieve IMEXSA's objectives and main focus, which is to develop and increase the number of music exporters in South Africa by identifying trade opportunities and assisting companies to take advantage of those opportunities.

Supported by Gauteng Growth Development Agency (GGDA) and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Lottery, IMEXSA has been operating over the past six years. During this time they have participated in and presented South African unsigned and independent music professionals at Popkomm — Germany, Womex – UK, Primavera Pro – Spain, Canada Music Week in Toronto, Midem in France, Africa Festival in Germany, Womex in Spain, CMJ in New York and South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin – Texas.

In previous editions of the SA Indies Music Week, over 30 bands were selected from all over the country to come battle it out at the finals event in Johannesburg. For some, it paid off as they got selected to go and perform at Primavera in Spain, Africa Festival in Germany, Womex in Spain, CMJ in New York, SXSW in Austin Texas (USA) and Midem in France.

 The time has now come for selections for 2017/18 round of international festivals and the journey starts with a simple showcase or submission for consideration. For inquiries please contact Imexsa on: submissions@imexsa.org.za.

The closing date for submissions is 20 December 2016.

For more information about this project, please contact Segodi Leshalabe on +27829284305 or send an email to info@myvirtualbrand.co.za.