Recording studios wanted: Partner with MIAF to produce music for social impact

About the programme

The MIAF is partnering with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for its Social Employment Fund (SEF).

Through this collaboration, MIAF is launching a new national programme designed to create internship, address skills gaps, and strengthen South Africa’s creative industries, in line with the SEF’s overarching goal to generate work for the common good and build community value through employment, social contribution, and inclusive economic participation.

Operating under the banner NEFCISA (National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa), the initiative will recruit and train participants, match them with host organisations, and place a minimum of 1 000 workers across the country.

As part of the programme, the MIAF is launching a sub-project called Voices for Change — a social-impact initiative aimed at producing a collection of original songs and short-form content that address urgent social issues such as drug abuse, gambling, and gender-based violence.

The project combines music production and skills development by engaging unemployed and emerging musicians to work on the project while receiving training that enables them to gain new skills and work experience.

Roles of selected studios

The appointed studios will act as both production partners and NEFCISA host organisations, responsible for:

• Attending onboarding sessions to understand the project and requirements.
• Hosting and mentoring 15–20 participants (musicians, producers, songwriters, content creators) for up to 10 months. Each participant will work for a period equivalent to 7 days per month.
• Providing professional recording, mixing, and mastering services for 3–5 songs themed around social awareness.
• Supporting participants in creating short awareness videos and behind-the-scenes content.
• Promoting the produced works.
• Supporting the training and capacity development of participants.

Benefits

• A minimum of R100 000 for production costs (studio time, equipment, engineers).
• A negotiated fixed fee towards training participants.
• Skilled and semi-skilled workers paid for by the programme for up to 10 months.
• Additional support from the MIAF team.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be based in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, or Mpumalanga.
• Be legally registered.
• Be willing to host NEFCISA participants and meet reporting obligations for a period of 10 months.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality musical works, with at least two years of professional production experience.
• Show a commitment to youth training and social development.
• Provide a safe, accessible, and professional workspace.
• Be able to start implementing immediately, from November or at the latest in December 2025.

How to apply

Complete the digital application form here.

In your application, include:

1. Studio profile (history, capacity, notable work).
2. Short proposal (creative approach, mentorship plan, and alignment with social themes).
3. Budget breakdown (aligned with R100 000) and delivery timeline.
4. Team profiles (producers, engineers, mentors).
5. Proof of registration or legal status.

Deadline and submission

Deadline: Friday, 14 November 2025

For more information, contact: neo@musicinafrica.net