Open call: Afro Pepites Show 2023

The talent search is the brainchild of the African Dream Network, which supports initiatives promoting African culture and artists based in Africa. Every year, the organisation engages in online activities to discover and showcase talent while fostering a greater appreciation for African culture.

Last year, Francesco Nchikala, a multi-instrumentalist from the DRC, secured third position in the competition, after Juste Parfait, a satirist from Congo-Brazzaville, and Beninese sculptor and painter Marcel Kpoho.

Who can apply?

The call is open to artists from Africa, the Caribbean, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and other regions, as well as to artists who draw inspiration from African culture. The opportunity welcomes a diverse range of artists, including musicians, painters, dancers, photographers, fashion designers, sculptors, storytellers, humorists, poets, short-film directors, and actors engaged in solidarity-based actions.

The three projects selected by The African Dream will benefit from:

• Access to a network of over 12 200 contacts, including organisers, managers, producers and media professionals. Additionally, they can connect with a community of 25 000 subscribers and fans who are passionate about African culture.
• Access to a substantial social media following, with a combined follower count exceeding 50 000 across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. Furthermore, they will leverage the support of affiliated partners, including radio stations, print and online publications, television broadcasters, event management entities, digital distribution platforms, and a wide array of cultural networks.
• Valuable support in various areas such as management, production, distribution and booking from a team of experts.

How to participate?

Interested participants can complete an online registration form here before 30 September. The ​winners of the contest will be announced on 15 December.​

Conditions

• African and South American artists can apply for free.
• Artists from North regions (Europe, Asia, and North America) need to pay a €20 fee.

Required application materials:

• Contact details.
• A link to a picture.
• A link to listen to or discover the project.
• A biography.
• Access the application form in the right column.

Note: Artists without a website are encouraged to share their work on platforms like SoundCloud, ReverbNation, YouTube, Instagram, etc.

View the original call here.