FOUNDER: Comedian and film-maker Kgosi Makaza is giving back to the music industry through his new venture, the Open Arms Music Project. Photo: Peke
FOUNDER: Comedian and film-maker Kgosi Makaza is giving back to the music industry through his new venture, the Open Arms Music Project. Photo: Peke

Introducing the Open Arms Music Project

STAFF REPORTER
The Open Arms Trust presents the 'Open Arms Music Project', an initiative that aims to increase the capacity of Namibian youth who are aspiring musicians and music industry professionals by equipping them with the right resources, knowledge, networks and tools to flourish in the industry.

The areas of focus will include artist management, media training, image and branding, online music distribution and revenue streams, music production, financial literacy, monetising digital content, working with record labels, intellectual property and royalties, and funding opportunities.

Applications are now open for three-day workshops set to be held in six towns across the country from Thursday, 20 July, to Saturday, 23 September. These towns are Ongwediva, Rundu, Keetmanshoop, Swakopmund, Gobabis and Windhoek. At the end of each workshop, one lucky participant in each town who shows promising talent will be given the opportunity to record, mix, master and promote a lead single in a professional recording studio within their region.

An established guest musician will be invited to each workshop to share their experiences in the music industry and network with participants.

Themes

Day 1 of the workshop will be facilitated by comedian, film-maker and creative entrepreneur Kgosi Makaza, who is also the founder of the project, and will cover topics under the theme 'An introduction to the Namibian entertainment Industry'.

Day 2 will be facilitated by the co-founders of Namibian streaming platform Donlu, Llewelyn Adams and Blessed Simasiku, who will cover topics under the theme 'Building your career in the music business'.

Day 3 will be a masterclass on music production by legendary music producer and Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) board member, Elvo 'Dr Mavovo' Diergaardt, known professionally as Elvo.

How to apply

Aspiring musicians and music industry professionals based in the selected regions are encouraged to apply online. Visit openarmscommunity.org.na and click on the 'projects' tab, then select 'music workshops'. A list of the towns and dates will appear and the applicant should select their town and fill in the form.

Successful applicants will then be notified ahead of each workshop.

Background

The Open Arms Music Project is funded by the Sound Connects Fund, an initiative by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and the Goethe-Institut. The Sound Connects Fund is made possible with the financial contribution of the European Union and the support of the Organisation of ACP States. For more information, email [email protected] or call 081 747 5155, and follow the project on social media.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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