Sunday, December 1African Digital Business Magazine

Tag: African music

African News

Bridging Gaps: Why African Nations Must Bolster Financial Support for Local Music Professionals

By Kayode Adebayo, Arts Connect Africa (ACA) Board Director and founder and Chief Executive of Ckrowd  Understanding Africa’s Music Landscape The music scene across Africa is both diverse and dynamic, capturing a wide range of genres, from Afrobeats and Afro-jazz to reggae, hip-hop, and traditional folk music. This variety enriches the continent’s cultural landscape and has fueled its appeal globally. However, structural issues hamper the full realization of the industry’s potential. Limited local funding often forces musicians to rely on informal channels for support, while insufficient resources make it difficult for them to produce and distribute music at scale. Even when their music reaches international markets, these artists face the additional challenge of inequitable revenue sha...
Zimbabwe News

The Real Need for an African Glocal Music Academy—Meeting the Financial Needs of Local Musicians Across the Continent

By Walter Wanyanya, a Board member of African Cultural Connections (ACA) and Founder & Artistic Director of the Jacaranda Music Festival, Jabulani Jazz Festival, & the Flame Lily Rock Music Festival in Harare, Zimbabwe.  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 loc...
Art

Latin and African Music: A Cultural Exchange Across the Atlantic

By Pablo Solis Development Manager for Latin America at Music Works International (CCLA & ACA), Arts Connect Africa Music transcends boundaries, connecting people across cultures and time. The musical connection between Africa and Latin America is a vibrant and enduring example of this. Despite the Atlantic Ocean separating these regions, shared rhythms and inspirations have woven a rich musical tapestry that continues to inspire. This article explores the historical and contemporary connections between these musical traditions, highlighting how music industry professionals can collaborate to bridge cultural divides. Historical Connections Spanish guitar melodies and African drum beats merged in Cuba to create a unique musical blend known as Afro-Cuban music. This fusion spawned v...