Open call: MBA for Africa Talent Development Programme 2024

Formerly known as the MBA Talent Project and running in partnership with The Orchard, the initiative serves as the hands-on component of the academy’s curriculum. It allows students to apply what they've learned in real-world settings with artists and talents. 

“It conveys real-life training, work experience and offers an excellent learning process to the 2024 Cohort of the Academy,” the MBA said. 

Eligibility:

To qualify, artists must be:

• A resident in an African country.
• Unsigned entirely from any record label, distribution or management deal.
• Between the ages of 18 and 26.

Interested creatives may apply here before 4 October.

Last year, the programme offered students practical experience through a six-week artist development camp supported by the Creative Industries Initiatives for Africa. Aspiring artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya refined their skills with mentorship in stage presence and vocal technique, culminating in the Pepple Street album.

Meanwhile, this year’s MBA for Africa training programme, themed ‘A Music Industry Ecosystem’, is a nine-month initiative commencing this month. It covers various aspects of the music industry, including live events, publishing, technology, recording, and support services. The modules provide a comprehensive education on the African music industry, focusing on economic interactions, entrepreneurship, finance, intellectual property, contracts, music production, branding, and marketing.

“In the last four years, MBA has produced industry leaders and successful careers, we are excited to be embarking on our fifth consecutive programme and introduce two new languages which will widen our reach in Africa and give non-English speakers a life-changing opportunity,” Elizabeth Sobowale, who was appointed programme director in 2022, said.