OneBeat: Africa has such a rich diversity

Designed to make a positive impact on local and global communities, the OneBeat programme employs original collaborative music as a potent new form of cultural diplomacy. OneBeat not only caters for experienced musicians but also accommodates artists who don’t have formal musical training to become part of this one-month long initiative where there are scheduled to create original music and develop arts-based social engagement strategies. The exchange package also includes a tour where participants are expected stage performances in front of US audiences, collaborate with local musicians and host youth-targeted workshops.

Musicians who are part of this this cultural exchange, in turn, receive greater respect from their peers and hometown audiences. Music In Africa spoke to OneBeat programme organiser Ezra Tenenbaum about how the exchange is benefiting African artists, the challenges faced and the possibility of including other African countries in the programme.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: How was the response from African artists in this year’s call?

EZRA TENENBAUM: We've had a great response and worked with many African musicians since we began in 2012. This year is no exception. We've had especially great responses from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, and this year we're excited to be working with Mali and Madagascar for the first time.

How is the OneBeat programme benefiting African artists and other countries?

OneBeat has developed into a large global network and our musicians have gone on to form lifelong collaborations and partnerships with musicians around the world. We also think of ourselves as an incubator for social entrepreneurship. We've worked with rapper PPS to establish a recording studio and youth centre in his home of Rufisque [Senegal], and many of our African fellows have gone on to form OneBeat-inspired projects in their hometowns, win global awards and expand their work as educators.

The programme is only benefitting 11 African countries. Why are other African countries not part of this music exchange?

We're given a selection of countries to work with by our partners at the State Department each year. We wish we had more resources and the means to expand the programme to more countries, but we're happy we get to connect with so many great musicians and organisations worldwide.

Does your organisation intend to include other countries?

The eligible countries always change but it’s up to the State Department and we don't know at this point which countries will be involved in the future.

Are you facing any challenges when working with African artists?

We're always trying to help our fellows find better sources of funding for their ongoing projects after returning home. We've had numerous projects which we'd like to support better, but it can be challenging at times to find external funding. We're always looking for ways to improve that.

What have you learnt from African artists since the launch of OneBeat?

Africa has such a rich diversity of cultures that are really reflected in the music. It's been especially exciting to meet so many talented young musicians such as Blinky Bill or Nonku Phiri who are creating something both global and uniquely African.

How long will this programme last?

We're entering our seventh year of programming and we are already planning for 2019. We hope to continue the programme well into the future, but we're taking it one year at a time.

How much do you spend a year towards this programme?

We're funded through a grant with the ECA's State Department. As to how much funds directly impact Africa is hard to measure, though we try. The end goal is very much to invest in our international relationships and global entrepreneurship.