Call for writers: African traditional instruments

This call is open to individuals keen to contribute insightful and well-researched articles on subjects such as the history, cultural significance, and legacy of various traditional African instruments, including the mbira, marimba, and others.

Purpose of the articles

Selected articles will be featured on the Music In Africa website and in a catalogue to be showcased at MIAF’s upcoming exhibition at the University of Johannesburg in February. This event, part of the Foundation’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project, will highlight the diversity of traditional African instruments and promote their preservation. The catalogue will combine expert insights with visuals of the instruments, providing an engaging resource for attendees.

Details

• Article length: Between 900 and 1,200 words.
• Language: English.
• Topics: Strictly focused on traditional African instruments or related aspects. For example, an article focusing on instrument-making communities could be acceptable. Topics will be finalised with the editor.
• Deadline (article submission): 5 February 2025.

How to apply/submission requirements

• A current CV detailing your expertise or writing experience.
• Brief writing examples of your previous work.
• A proposed topic: Indicate the instrument or topic you wish to write about, such as the legacy of the mbira or marimba, the cultural impact of the kora, the evolution of drumming traditions, etc.

Interested candidates should email their applications in English to [email protected], with ‘African Traditional Instruments Writer’ in the subject line. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and commissioning will close on 25 January 2025. If this opportunity speaks to you, don’t delay! Applicants who do not hear from us by 26 January may consider their application unsuccessful.

The Music In Africa Instrument Building and Repair project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), with additional support from Afrikayna through the VITA - Instrumenthèque d’Afrique project, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, the University of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub, and Ukhozi FM.