Open call: 2nd cohort for VUKUBONE Sound Lab in eSwatini

The open call follows the successful launch of the first VUKUBONE Sound Lab accelerator programme. The lab is funded by the Sound Connects Fund, an initiative by the Music In Africa Foundation and Goethe-Institut. The Sound Connects Fund is made possible with the financial contribution of the European Union and the support of the the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. 

The VUKUBONE Sound Lab is a capacity-building accelerator programme designed to build the knowledge competencies of, and provide state-of-the-art recording facilities to emerging eSwatini sound artists (producers/sound designers, singers/songwriters, DJs and podcasters). The programme is designed to nurture talent and empower artists to reach their full potential.

The programme will be split into two cohorts, with 10 participants in each cohort. Each of the cohorts will be enrolled in an six-week programme divided into two phases:

• Training and masterclasses.
• Mentorship and project development.

Cohort 1 is currently in Phase 1 of the six-week programme and will complete the training on 8 September. The second cohort will be enrolled from 7 September to 20 October.

Who can apply?

• Sound artists (singers/songwriters, DJs, producers/sound designers and podcasters).
• Age: 18 to 28 years old.
• Must be a citizen or resident of eSwatini.
• Must be available to attend in-person meetings, trainings, workshops and studio sessions between 7 September and 20 October 2023.

Antidote Music received more than 190 applications in the first open call with some applicants applying more than once and of the 190 applications:

• 85% of the applicants were men while 15% were women.
• 55% Hhohho, 37% Manzini, 4% Shiselweni and 4% Lubombo.
• 43% singer-songwriters, 33% sound designers/producers, 18% DJs and 6% podcasters.

“We would like to encourage more women, especially producers, to apply and more people from the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions and more podcasters,” Antidote Music said. “This is a unique opportunity for sound artists to gain knowledge from industry experts and have full access to a studio facility with state of the art equipment, all free of charge.”

Interested applicants can apply here before 25 August.

For more information about this open call, email info@antidoteculture.org.