Call for entries: Searching for Paradise compilation in SA

In line with the ethos of WIMSA, Searching for Paradise aims to advance the awareness, equality, diversity, heritage, opportunities and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment and recognition.

Twelve finalists will get the opportunity to be part of the compilation and receive coaching sessions from TRACE, WIMSA and Paradise Sound System about how to develop their careers as independent artist. One of the finalists will win a music video.

How to apply?

• Participants should submit new music here before 25 February and stand a chance to release their latest single with Paradise Sound System.
• The Searching for Paradise jury, comprising women-identifying industry experts from different fields, will shortlist the best 12 artists and band submissions and choose the final 12 winning songs.
• Applicants should be members of WIMSA. Non-members should join here.
• Each artist or band should submit at least one mastered song or audio in MP3 or WAV format.

Who can apply?

• Artists, producers or bands.
• Applicants must be South African.
• Unsigned artists who have original, ready-to-release music.
• Artists and bands should play a genre that is accessible to a wide variety of people.
• Applicants must ensure that their lyrics and onstage messages will be free of any discrimination based on gender, race and religion.

Prizes

• Each finalist will get the opportunity to be part of the Searching for Paradise compilation, which will be released on 15 April.
• Finalists will receive coaching sessions from Trace, WIMSA and Paradise Sound System about how to develop their careers as independent artists.
• One of the finalists will win a music video, which will be decided by the highest number of streams and traction.
• The winners will be informed in March by email or telephone.

“We are always looking for ways to provide opportunities for our members and what better way than to spotlight their work and assist them to take it to market with the help of our amazing partnerships and allyship,” WIMSA chairperson Tumi Mogapi said.

Trace southern Africa managing director Valentine Gaudin-Muteba said: “At Trace, we believe that it is our duty to help female artists grow in the industry, especially in these trying times. We are on a mission to ensure female musicians have an easier road to success. Along with our partners, we believe that we can achieve this goal and help create a sustainable future for women in the music industry.”

View the original call here.