Music Business Academy for Africa announces women’s fund

Now in its second edition, Music Business Academy for Africa operates with the vision of providing a platform for people looking to advance their knowledge of the continent’s growing entertainment space. It is curated by Nigerian talent manager and exec Godwin Tom, who has worked with African stars such as Wizkid and Davido.

IManage Africa says the women’s fund forms part of its vision to create an inclusive music industry and is inspired by a large turnout of female participants at last year’s masterclass, which seeks to equip students in the areas of talent management, media, content development, event organisation and production.

“We are hoping to increase female participation in the programme to 40% this year from 18% last year,” iManage said. “Music Business Academy for Africa has been described by many as a turning point that brings hope for Africa’s booming creative ecosystem. With over 150 individuals registering from different strata and cities across the continent and parts of the world, the programme also witnessed a 10% increase in participation by women in 2020.”

Last year, iManage Africa partnered with Sterling Bank to introduce the music business academy, which saw the bank sponsor 25 individuals living in Nigeria.

In March, the company revealed that it had partnered with digital music business information and strategy company Music Ally for the 2021 edition of the masterclass. With clients including tech giants Apple, Amazon and Spotify as well as major labels, indies, publishers, artists and managers, Music Ally is touted as a global leader in digital learning for the music industry.

Music Business Academy for Africa says there will be six modules this year, including an introduction to music business, management and entrepreneurship, A&R and music development, brand and music marketing, music and the law – IP and copyright management, events, and touring.

“Music Ally’s mission is to help the music industry embrace digital platforms and build sustainable careers for artists across the globe via its reports, training, e-learning, research, conference events, hands-on work marketing global artists as well as with partnerships like this,” iManage Africa said.

Interested individuals and companies can donate to the women's fund by sending an email to sponsorships@musicbusinessafrica.org.

Meanwhile, registration for this year’s edition of Music Business Academy for Africa is ongoing. For more information, visit the official website.