Call for applications: ACCES 2023 music showcases

Organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in different cities across the continent, ACCES offers a platform for performers to showcase their talent to a diverse audience of local and international delegates, including festival curators, promoters, booking agents, record labels and other influential industry professionals.

ACCES will be back in Dar es Salaam for a second consecutive edition with a new programme of workshops, conference sessions, live performances, networking spaces, exhibitions and more. This is the first time a city is hosting the pan-African event twice, thanks to a new strategy developed by the MIAF to boost the impact of the annual trade show.

ACCES has been previously held Dakar (2017), Nairobi (2018), Accra (2019), Johannesburg (2021) and Dar es Salaam (2022).

The application deadline is 30 April 2023 (midnight CAT).

Who can apply?

• This call is open to African musicians (solo artists and bands) based on the continent.
• Applicants are emerging musicians who will genuinely benefit from the opportunity to boost their careers internationally.
• Applicants can deliver an outstanding performance.
• Applicants should be export-ready.
• All genres are welcome.
• All participants must be over 18 years old.
• All applications must be based on live performances and original music. No backing tracks.
• Performances supporting political parties or religious faith will not be permissible.

Applications can be submitted by the artists themselves or by the artist’s/band’s representatives (managers, publishers, labels, agents and promoters).

Support from ACCES

• Selected acts will be showcased at ACCES to a diverse audience of local and international music professionals from across the music industry and other influential audiences.
• Performers will receive a modest honorarium.
• Performers will be provided with local transport (related to the performance).
• Performers from outside Dar es Salaam will be provided with accommodation (related to the performance) and a per diem. One band manager only may be included in the travelling party and benefit from the same support offered by ACCES as the performing band members.
• VISA costs will be reimbursed against receipts.
• Where required for travelling, costs for COVID-19 tests will be reimbursed against receipts.
• ACCES will provide regular sound and lighting plus basic shared backline.
• Performers will be granted full access passes to all ACCES activities, including the conference and workshops.
• Selected acts will be promoted across the Music In Africa and ACCES platforms (programme, newsletters, press releases, website, social media, etc.).
• ACCES will provide media exposure.
• ACCES will provide the performers and their reps with the tools and platforms to get in touch with new audiences and business partners.
• A space will also be allocated at ACCES’ venue(s) for showcasing artists to sell their merchandise.

Important requirements to consider before applying

• Applicants should be prepared to be available for the duration of ACCES and to perform on any of the dates (9, 10 and 11 November 2023).
• Musicians based outside Dar es Salaam should be prepared to provide their own funding for transport costs to and from Dar es Salaam. The Music In Africa Foundation will strive to support musicians to apply for funding from available networks and partners but cannot guarantee that this will be successful. 

Steps to apply

1. Read the call for applications carefully.

2. Create (if you haven’t already) a profile on the Music in Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: www.musicinafrica.net/user/register. Make sure that your profile is complete and up to date, as this is the profile that the ACCES Curation Committee will review. Here is an example of a profile: www.musicinafrica.net/node/21539.

Your profile must include the following: 

• A clear biography.
• At least three latest song releases.
• At least one live performance video.
• At least two high-resolution promotional photos and credits.
• Website, streaming, social media links. 

NOTE: You may find your profile already created by a Music in Africa contributor. In this case, you would need to follow the online steps to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update it. An email address can be linked to one Music In Africa profile only. 

3. Complete the application form here. Email applications will not be considered.

NOTE: The form will not allow applicants to save and complete later. Before you complete it, make sure you have all the required information and documents.

Selection process

Application deadline: 30 April 2023 (midnight CAT).

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by the ACCES Curation Committee.
• All applicants will be notified by 9 June 2023.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Only applications submitted via the dedicated online form will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

For enquiries and information, email Ms Claire Metais at claire@musicinafrica.net. 

View this open call in French here.