Open call: Telem Week 2023 in Sierra Leone

The organisers are specifically seeking drummers, bass players and guitarists. Additionally, they are looking for music producers to join the songwriting retreat.

The deadline for entries is 1 November.

How to apply

Interested musicians and music producers can get involved by following these steps:

• Send a video showcasing their skills in three different genres, with each lasting 1 minute 50 seconds to +232 76 383270.
• Include entrant’s name along with the video.
• Follow Telem Freetown across social media for updates on live audition dates in early November.

Telem Week, founded by arts organisation Telem Freetown, aims to create music and global connections. It kicks off with a seven-day songwriting retreat from 10 to 17 November. The programme will bring together local singers, songwriters, music producers and instrumentalists. They will be chosen from a diverse local group, all committed to making EPs, albums or specific musical projects.

The retreat will offer mentorship, chances to collaborate and workshops led by music experts, who will cover areas like music production, songwriting, instrumentation, music theory, storytelling, arts management, performance and audio engineering.

On 17 November, there will be a music ecosystem event covering important issues like protecting creative ideas and how to get funding. It will be open to arts and entertainment businesses, and those interested in the future of Sierra Leone’s creative space.

Telem Week 2023 will climax with a two-day performance festival on 18 and 19 November. This festival will showcase the new music made during the songwriting retreat. The first night will feature faculty artists while the second night will be all about the retreat participants, supported by the faculty musicians.

View the original call here.