The Music Business Academy (MBA) for Africa is returning for its second edition, with a 20-week training program focused on developing what it calls “the next generation of music industry executives in Africa.”
The MBA is developed by iManage Africa, in partnership with Music Ally and Dr. Carlos Chirinos of the Music Business Department at New York University.
Led by the MBA’s newly hired Programme Director Elizabeth Sobowale, this year’s edition is backed by YouTube Music.
Running between July and November 2022, the program promises to teach students about a range of music business trends and technologies.
According to the Music Business Academy for Africa, students will also get to meet senior music industry executives, including a faculty drawn from different sectors of the business.
The project’s ‘Women’s Fund’ also aims to guarantee at least 50% of the program’s participants this year are women.
Last year, the program hit its 40% target, thanks to contributions from sponsors, says MBA.
The MBA began as an internship scheme in 2017, before evolving into a talent management training program, and ultimately the full music business education initiative that launched in 2021.
In 2021, students from the inaugural cohort worked with five artists from across the African continent in a ‘Talent Project’ that saw them release two EPs, as well as a crowdfunding campaign.
Registration for the 2022 program is now open. Potential students can find more details and apply to take part here.
“Africa’s music industry produces some of the world’s most creative content and contributes significantly to global pop culture.”
Addy Awofisayo, YouTube
Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, YouTube, said: “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 Africa and global musical landscape.
“It aligns with our values, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to support it.”
“As Africans we must take the creation and distribution of our knowledge into our own hands.”
Elizabeth Sobowale
Elizabeth Sobowale, added: “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.”
“This is the most advanced music business programme on the continent, localised but with global, industry-standard best practices.”
Anthony Churchman, Music Ally
Anthony Churchman, Music Ally’s Commercial Director, said: “This is the most advanced music business programme on the continent, localised but with global, industry-standard best practices.
“It empowers Africa at the foundations: it starts with the people.”
“When I started out in this industry, there was nowhere to learn about the business.”
Godwin Tom, MBA for Africa
Godwin Tom, MBA for Africa Founder, said: “When I started out in this industry, there was nowhere to learn about the business and so I, like many of my peers, had to make so many mistakes and it took me years to realise I had been doing so many things wrong.”
“The Music Business Academy for Africa has all the modules designed for creative music entrepreneurs to leverage and tap into the wide opportunities in Africa’s music and entertainment industry.”
“The number of talented artists in Nigeria far surpasess the number of music industry professionals that can help those artists achieve success.
Dr. Carlos Chiniros, NYU
Dr. Carlos Chiniros, NYU, said: “The number of talented artists in Nigeria far surpasess the number of music industry professionals that can help those artists achieve success.
“The MBA for Africa program fills the gap by providing professional education to create the required workforce for the industry. In doing so, MBA is contributing to the social and economic development of Nigeria and the continent,”Music Business Worldwide