The Music Business Academy (MBA) for Africa, now in its second session, is back with a training program aimed at producing Africa’s next generation of music business executives.
The MBA was created by iManage Africa in collaboration with Music Ally and Dr. Carlos Chirinos of New York University’s Music Business Department. This year’s version is sponsored by YouTube Music and led by the MBA’s new program director Elizabeth Sobowale.
“Africa’s music industry produces some of the world’s most creative content and contributes significantly to global pop culture. This initiative enables the support of more creatives who will play a critical role in the continent’s fast-growing creative economy.
“Additionally, It paves the way for the inclusion of more perspectives, which benefits the African and the global musical landscape. It aligns with our values, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to support it.” – Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, YouTube.
The program, which will run from July to November 2022, will teach students about a variety of music business trends and technology, as well as provide them with hands-on experience in releasing and promoting music in order to help artists build long-term careers.
The project’s ‘Women’s Fund,’ with equality and social effect at its center, intends to ensure that at least 50% of participants are women this year after the program met its 40% target last year thanks to sponsorship contributions.
“As Africans, we must take the creation and distribution of our knowledge into our own hands. MBA for Africa plays an important role in ensuring that the knowledge of Africa’s music, creative and cultural industries are passed on to the future leaders, executives and creators of the continent.” – Elizabeth Sobowale, Programme Director.
Students will have the opportunity to pick the brains of senior music industry executives, as well as a faculty drawn from all sectors of the industry, during this year’s MBA.