Themes

Live music in Africa

By Music In Africa Foundation

01 May 2019 - 09:49

There are few public happenings that can be as powerful as live music events. Some concerts, whether big or small, can be life-changing experiences for both performer and fan, and sometimes just one special performance can make an upcoming artist into a star.

Kenyan musician Winyo performing live at the 2018 ACCES music conference in Nairobi. Photo: Music In Africa

This is because live performances are still regarded as the real thing when it comes to showcasing raw talent. In the digital age, when most music is consumed via the Internet, many artists have been able to launch successful careers without having to perform live on a regular basis, or at all. But for others the stage is their home – a place where they can express themselves best. This of course depends on the genre: while some musical styles are ideal for the stage, others are arguably best experienced in the comfort of the listener’s home, through an expensive sound system or headphones.

But even so, live performances have been credited for connecting artists with future collaborators and record label scouts. A great performance can provide important networking opportunities and impress the right people at the right time.

In Africa, many artists are forced to perform live whether they like it or not. This is due to high levels of piracy, which make it difficult for musicians to make money anywhere else other than onstage. A live gig is also the ideal place to sell merchandise and even physical copies of music, especially for upcoming musicians.

And Africa is leading the way in its live music offerings. Some of the continent’s concerts and festivals have become examples on how to curate colourful line-ups and expose tomorrow’s leading talent. Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar), Bassline Fest (South Africa), Boulevard Festival (Morocco), Lake of Stars (Malawi), Bushfire (eSwatini) and Nyege Nyege (Uganda) are just some of the amazing festivals that the rest of the world is watching with much interest.

In the month of May, Music In Africa captures the power of live music. We share with you information about the most talked-about concerts and festivals on the continent, our opportunity articles provide details about what artists need to do to be considered to play such events, and our educational and overview content helps musicians improve themselves as professionals in a competitive industry.

Visit this page daily to find updates on the live music scene in Africa.

News and features