AI & African Music Project – Open Call for Proposals

About the Open Call

The 'Beyond the Algorithm: African Musical Creativity in the Age of AI' project seeks proposals for bold new music initiatives. It supports creators in music-making, archiving, education, and tool development, focusing on African musics (Amapiano, gospel, indigenous rhythms, Afrobeats) to challenge and expand current AI tools. Proposals should aim to use AI to co-create, perform, and teach music rooted in African traditions; record, transcribe, and preserve African musical works (from oral heritage to digital formats); remix and reimagine genres like Amapiano, Afrobeats, gospel, jazz, and indigenous styles; and build and localize AI tools that understand African sounds, languages, and workflows.

What is Offered

Funding: ZAR 30,000 per month for four to six months for each selected musician; AI collaborator (engineer/technologist) support for four to six months; Collaborative project development workshop (Johannesburg, November 2025); Advisor for monthly progress and reporting support for the project duration; Production support to prepare a showcase presentation or performance; Showcase: A final public performance or presentation and workshop (April 2026).

Requirements

Musicians, producers, composers, and music educators of African descent, based in an African country, working in any genre.

How to Apply

Submit your Expression of Interest by 14 September 2025 (17:00 SAST) to receive an invitation to the guidance webinar on 15 or 16 September. Complete your full application by 23 September 2025 (17:00 SAST) with a 500-word project description, short bio/CV, and examples of past work.