Open call: AI and African Music Project

African musical forms – from amapiano and Afrobeats to gospel and indigenous traditions – offer distinct tonalities, textures and rhythms. Most AI music tools are developed using Western data, and this project aims to explore how African soundscapes can contribute to shaping alternative futures for music and technology.

The programme is open to creators working in areas such as music-making, archiving, education and tool development. Selected participants will receive both financial and technical support to develop collaborative projects that integrate AI and African music practices.

Programme support includes:

• Funding of R30 000 (about $1 700) per month for a period of four to six months for each selected musician.
• Access to an AI collaborator (engineer/technologist) for the project duration.
• A collaborative project development workshop in Johannesburg in November 2025.
• Advisory support with monthly progress and reporting.
• Production support to prepare a showcase presentation or performance.
• A final public showcase and workshop scheduled for April 2026.

Applications are now open, with the organisers encouraging proposals that demonstrate bold, creative engagement with AI and African music.

Who can apply

• Musicians
• Producers
• Composers
• Music educators of African descent, based in an African country, working in any genre

Application process

Applicants should submit an Expression of Interest by 14 September 2025 (17:00 SAST) to receive an invitation to the guidance webinar on 15 or 16 September, and complete the application by 23 September 2025 (5pm SAST) with a 500-word project description, short bio/CV, and examples of past work.

View the original call here.