Call for applications: Music business workshop in Tanzania

The workshops will be facilitated by Germany-based American singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Kenny Wesley. It will include topics titled Career Development, Networking Tips, The Importance of Building and Maintaining a Solid Professional Network, Music Market Analysis, How to Become a Profitable Artist and The Various Avenues Available for Artists to Generate Income.

“We will also select a certain number of musicians to perform for us and we will give them feedback,” Wesley told Music In Africa.

Asked about the importance of artists having an online presence, he said: “The majority of music is being consumed online via digital streaming platforms such as YouTube, SoundCloud and so on. So, if an artist has no online presence, they are non-existent in the eyes of most of today’s music consumers.”

Wesley says common mistakes that artists make when using online platforms include lack of consistent output of brand-appropriate content, uploading and sharing too many selfies and not maximising on the use of hashtags, tags and social media influencers to expand their brand.

Nafasi Art Space performing arts manager Kwame Mchauru encouraged local artists to apply for the workshop.

“It was through our experience of the industry that we suggested types of workshops we believe will benefit the local scene,” he said. “We have so far seen a boom in the production of artists, but that rise does not correspond with the creation of art managers.”

“In many ways, artists are left alone, struggling to find a balance between creation and entrepreneurship because of a lack of formal training platforms. This is the main reason why Nafasi Art Space uses the opportunity of visiting professionals to share their skills and knowledge with the local art community.”

To be considered for the workshop, send a short CV to kwame@nafasiartspace.org.

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