Open call: ACCES 2024 music showcases

Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in different cities across the continent, ACCES offers a platform for performers to showcase their talent to a diverse audience of local and international delegates, including festival curators, promoters, booking agents, record labels and other influential industry professionals.

The ACCES programme also includes workshops, conference sessions, live performances, networking spaces, exhibitions and more.

ACCES has previously visited Dakar (2017), Nairobi (2018), Accra (2019), Johannesburg (2021) and Dar es Salaam (2022 and 2023).

The application deadline is 15 April 2024 (midnight CAT).

Who can apply?

• This call is open to African musicians (solo artists, bands, DJs, etc.) based on the continent.
• Applicants should be emerging musicians who will genuinely benefit from the opportunity and boost their careers internationally.
• Applicants must be able to deliver an outstanding live performance.
• Applicants should be export-ready.
• All genres are welcome.
• All participants must be over 18 years old.
• All applications must be based on live performances and original music. No backing tracks.
• Performances supporting political parties or religious faith will not be permissible. 
• Artists who have already performed at ACCES may only apply again after five years, from the year of their last performance.

NOTE: Applications can be submitted by the artists themselves or their representatives (managers, publishers, labels, agents and promoters).

Support from ACCES

• Selected acts will be showcased at ACCES to a diverse audience of local and international music professionals from across the music industry as well as other influential audiences.
• Performers will receive a modest honorarium.
• Performers will be provided with local transport (related to the performance).
• Two-night accommodation and a per diem for performers from outside Kigali. One band manager only may be included in the travelling party and benefit from the same support as the performing band members.
• Visa costs, where applicable (reimbursed against receipts).
• Local transport (related to the performance).
• Regular sound and lights plus basic shared backline.
• Video recording of the showcase performance.
• Full-access passes to all ACCES activities and venues, including the conference, workshops and delegate database.
• Promotion across the Music In Africa and ACCES platforms (programme, newsletters, press releases, website, social media, etc.).
• Media exposure.
• A space at ACCES venue(s) for showcasing artists to sell their merchandise.

Important requirements to consider before applying

• Applicants should be prepared to be available for the duration of ACCES and to perform on any of the dates (14, 15 or 16 November 2024).
• Musicians based outside Kigali should be prepared to provide their own funding for transport costs to and from Kigali. The Music In Africa Foundation will strive to support musicians to apply for funding from available networks and partners but cannot guarantee that this will be successful. 

Steps to apply

1. Read the call for applications carefully.

2. Create (if you haven’t already) a profile on the Music in Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: https://www.musicinafrica.net/user/register.

Your profile must include the following: 

• A clear biography.
• At least three latest song releases.
• At least one live performance video.
• At least two high-resolution promotional photos and credits.
• Website, streaming and social media links. 

NOTE: 

• Make sure that your profile is complete and up-to-date, as this is the profile that the ACCES Curation Committee will review. See an example of a profile HERE. 
• You may find your profile already created by a Music in Africa contributor. In this case, you would need to follow the online steps to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update it. 
• An email address can be linked to one Music In Africa profile only. 

3. Complete the application form HERE. Email applications will not be considered.

NOTE: The application form will not allow applicants to save and complete later. Before you complete it, make sure you have all the required information and documents.

Selection process

Application deadline: 15 April 2024 (midnight CAT).

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the ACCES Curation Committee.
• All applicants will be notified by 24 May 2024.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

For enquiries and more information, email Ms Claire Metais at claire@musicinafrica.net.