Music in Africa has long been more than just an art form—it is a powerful tool for communication and storytelling, reflecting the continent’s rich and diverse history. Despite Africa’s global recognition in the music industry, many local musicians face financial struggles, preventing them from fully reaping the benefits of their talent.
Fragmented national music industries, lack of infrastructure, and limited financial support have left artists with little resources to sustain their careers. Establishing an African “Glocal” Music Academy, bridging global and local opportunities, could address these challenges, empowering musicians with the tools and networks needed to thrive domestically and internationally.
The African Music Paradox: Global Fame, Local Struggle
African music is globally celebrated, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Yemi Alade among others, reaching the heights of international acclaim. Yet, for every African artist who breaks through, countless others struggle to survive within their national music industries. These industries often lack the necessary infrastructure to support musicians, including reliable systems for royalty payments, fair contract negotiations, and access to international markets.
This disparity highlights the need for a structural shift in how African music industries operate, and this is where a “glocal” academy can make a monumental impact. By creating a hub where local musicians are educated on global best practices while remaining grounded in their unique cultural contexts, an academy could provide them with the tools to navigate the complexities of the modern music industry.
Addressing Financial Gaps Through Education and Mentorship
One of the most pressing challenges local African musicians face is the lack of understanding of financial management, royalties, and international licensing. Many artists sign away rights to their music for short-term financial relief, unaware of how to maximise long-term earnings. The proposed African Glocal Music Academy would address these gaps by offering educational programs on financial literacy, contract negotiation, and digital distribution.
Beyond education, the academy could also foster mentorships between successful African artists and up-and-coming talent. With the mentorship of established stars who have navigated both local and global markets, the next generation of African musicians could gain insights into how to succeed financially while preserving their artistic integrity.
Bridging Local Talent with Global Opportunities
The Glocal Music Academy would work to develop local markets and connect African musicians to global platforms. With African music more accessible than ever through digital streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay, many local artists still face significant challenges navigating these platforms and effectively monetising their music.
The academy could create programs to teach artists ways to maximise these digital tools, from building a global fanbase to using social media for international promotions. It would also facilitate networking opportunities with international record labels, distributors, and festival organisers, ensuring that African musicians can maintain creative control while accessing new revenue streams.
Strengthening Local Industry Ecosystems
While connecting local artists to global markets is important, it is equally critical to strengthen the ecosystem within national music industries. The African Glocal Music Academy could collaborate with national governments and private sectors to create a stronger support system for local artists, including fair royalty systems, grants, and platforms to showcase emerging talent.
Incorporating local culture into the academy’s curriculum would also ensure that musicians are not just chasing global trends but can nurture their unique sound. By promoting a fusion of local musical heritage and global music production techniques, the academy could preserve Africa’s musical diversity while making it commercially viable.
A Cultural and Economic Revolution
At its core, establishing an African Glocal Music Academy represents more than just an educational initiative—it symbolises the start of a cultural and economic revolution. For far too long, African music has been commodified by others, with the profits leaving the continent. By empowering African musicians with the knowledge, skills, and platforms they need to thrive financially, the academy would help reclaim ownership of Africa’s music industry.
Moreover, the academy’s success could spill over into other creative industries, serving as a model for strengthening cultural sectors through targeted education and integration into global markets.
Building a Sustainable Future for African Music
The African Glocal Music Academy presents an opportunity to reimagine how national music industries across the continent can meet the financial needs of local musicians. By fostering financial literacy, global connections, and local industry support, the academy could create a sustainable future for African music— where artists are not just cultural icons but also financially secure professionals.
Arts Connect Africa (ACA) has an important role to play in this journey. Through its extensive network and commitment to supporting African artists, ACA can lead the establishment of such an academy, bridging the gap between global success and local financial stability. The network is already taking steps towards doing this with its Rhythms of Africa project. It is time to invest in the future of African music, and the African Glocal Music Academy is the key to making that future a reality.
