Michael Kovac’s Post

The ACA/CKrowd/PMAN Rhythms of Africa Project We are partnering with Artsconnect Africa and Performing Arts Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN to launch) a social impact project known as Rhythms of Africa. Rhythms of Africa is structured around two core pillars: exposure and empowerment for music industry professionals in traditional music genres. The project is starting in Nigeria, and it is the first step of a wider ACA and CKrowd initiative that will put the spotlight on traditional music genres across the continent. We believe that this project will take us further in achieving our goal of making social and economic impact within the African music space. Exposure: The project will deep dive into different traditional music genres, interact with stakeholders within the space, identify the issues and the opportunities and use our digital assets to create including recordings, interviews, and documentaries, to reach global audiences and raise awareness about the opportunities available within the Nigerian traditional African music space. Empowerment We hope that through our efforts in highlighting the issues and leveraging our networks will help link the professionals in the Nigerian local music space up with global opportunities that can help them earn from their skills and experience and further help create a value chain around the traditional music industry that will ensure that the creators of the culture behind these sounds can benefit from it. Impact and Future Aspirations of the “Rhythms of Africa” Project The impact of our project extends beyond individual musicians; it contributes to the broader cultural and economic landscape. By professionalizing traditional African music, we aim to create sustainable career paths for music professionals in these genres, foster cultural pride, and ensure the continuity of these musical traditions for future generations. Looking ahead, we aspire to expand our reach across more African countries, build partnerships with cultural institutions, and explore innovative ways to integrate traditional music into mainstream media and education systems. We believe that by investing in the next generation of traditional African music professionals, we are not only preserving a precious cultural heritage but also enriching the global music tapestry. Join Us in Our Journey We invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Whether you are a creative, technical or business professional in the music industry, a cultural enthusiast, or someone who believes in the power of music to drive social change, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can amplify the voices of traditional African music, celebrate its diversity, and ensure its vibrant future. #TraditionalMusic #AfricanMusic #RhythmsofAfrica

Grammy Awards Expand Reach into Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa The Recording Academy, renowned for its prestigious Grammy Awards, has announced an exciting expansion into Africa, specifically targeting Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the continent's rich musical heritage and burgeoning talent. The expansion aims to foster deeper connections with African artists, producers, and music industry professionals. By establishing a stronger presence in these countries, the Recording Academy seeks to provide more opportunities for African music to gain international recognition. This initiative is expected to pave the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the global music scene, reflecting the vibrant and diverse sounds emerging from Africa. In Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa, the Grammy Awards will work closely with local artists and industry stakeholders to promote and support their work. This includes offering educational programs, networking opportunities, and resources to help musicians elevate their craft and navigate the global music industry. The goal is to create a more equitable platform where African music can thrive and receive the acknowledgement it deserves on a global stage. The Recording Academy's expansion into these African nations is a testament to the continent's growing influence in the music world. With a rich tapestry of genres and styles, African music has been steadily gaining international acclaim. This new initiative will not only highlight the unique cultural contributions of these countries but also provide a significant boost to the local music industries, encouraging more collaborations and innovations. https://lnkd.in/d4QgAD4Z

Understanding ISRC and ISWC Codes in the South African Music Industry In the South African music industry, ISRC and ISWC codes are essential for managing and protecting intellectual property. ISRC codes uniquely identify sound recordings, enabling easy tracking and management across platforms. They help monitor music usage for royalty collection and business strategy. On the other hand, ISWC codes uniquely identify musical compositions, aiding in organization and tracking. Both codes play a crucial role in royalty collection and data management, and provide global recognition for South African artists. Ultimately, ISRC and ISWC codes are vital tools for identifying, tracking, and managing music in South Africa's diverse industry. #navigatingthemelodies #musicpublishing #entitydeep https://lnkd.in/dK5PKUbM

Recap: #BoomLive Industry Talk on Africa Day Last week Friday saw a vibrant Africa Day panel discussion on amplifying African music by a select music industry experts hosted on BoomLive, the live audio channel of the #Boomplay platform. Moderated by Martha Huro, Managing Director of East Africa at Boomplay, the panel had submissions from Lanre Masha (West Africa Director, The Orchard), Dennis Njenga (Managing Partner, Kaka Empire) and ✅ Ernest Agbewhe (General Manager, Digital Operations & Partnerships, MAD Solutions LLC). The following are some key takeaways: 1. The rise of African music on the global stage and spotlight on Africa has had a major impact on its artists and music scenes necessitating the need to relook the African music landscape and put our house (music business, talent development, policy formulation and support) to amplify our gains. 2. Fostering a thriving ecosystem, maintaining the rich tapestry of traditional African music styles and sounds and collaborating on Pan-African music development, is key to sustaining the local African music scene and making it viable. 3. Regarding the key issues facing the African music scene such as piracy, limited funding for artists, copyrights enforcement and infrastructural support, stakeholders must come together to build and platform private-public partnerships and rally for governmental support and backing in enforcing music laws. In the end, the discussions at the BoomLive Music Industry Talk and expectations for the future of African music all pointed to an exciting time ahead. #AfricaDayonBoomplay #Boomplay #AfricaMusic

Top Strategies for Promoting Your Music in Nigeria

The music business in South Africa is a vibrant tapestry woven into several genres, from infectious amapiano rhythms to soulful kwaito compositions. This environment is teeming with brilliant artists that are passionate about their craft and want to make a difference. Underneath the dazzling lights and electrifying performances, however, is a hard reality: many South African musicians, whether contracted or independent, battle relentlessly for financial stability. According to a new report by the Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF), \"Revenue Streams for Music Creators in South Africa 2022,\" musicians there are having a hard time making ends meet. The report, which is based on a nationwide survey of 2,891 artists from all nine provinces, unveils an alarming truth: the average musician in South Africa earns just R9,890 per month. R141,548,500 is the total amount of money that all participants have brought in from their various sources.

To increase your chances of getting an international deal as a musician, consider the following steps: 1. Develop a Unique Sound: Focus on creating a distinctive musical style and sound that sets you apart from other artists. This will help you stand out and attract the attention of international music industry professionals. 2. Build a Strong Online Presence: Establish a professional website and create profiles on social media platforms to promote your music and engage with fans. Utilize platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube,Spotify, Boomplay, Audiomack and others to showcase your talent and gain a wider audience. 3. Network with Industry Professionals: Attend music conferences, festivals, and industry events where you can connect with influential people in the international music scene. Build relationships with industry professionals, producers, and other musicians who can potentially help you get noticed. 4. Seek Representation: Consider hiring a reputable music manager, agent, or entertainment lawyer who has experience in the international music industry. They can help navigate the complexities of deals, negotiations, and contract terms, and assist in opening doors to international opportunities. 5. Collaborate with International Artists: Collaborating with established international artists can expose you to their fan base and increase your visibility on a global scale. Look for opportunities to collaborate on songs, tours, or projects that align with your musical style and aspirations. 6. Create a Professional Press Kit: Develop a comprehensive press kit that showcases your music, biography, professional photos, press clippings, and any accolades or achievements. This will provide industry professionals with an overview of your talent and potential appeal in the international market. 7. Research International Markets: Gain an understanding of the international music markets you are targeting. Identify genres or regions where your music can potentially resonate and tailor your marketing and promotional efforts accordingly. 8. Leverage Online Streaming Platforms: Utilize digital music platforms and streaming services to gain exposure in international markets. Optimize your presence on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, and consider engaging in playlist promotions and cross-promotions. 9. Be Persistent and Patient: Landing an international deal takes time and perseverance. Continually improve your craft, release quality music, and remain persistent in your pursuit. Keep networking, promoting your music, and seizing opportunities that arise. There is no guaranteed path to securing an international deal as a musician. By following these steps, building a strong foundation, and maintaining a relentless pursuit of your musical goals, you increase your chances of attracting international attention and opportunities. #sheva #dimaempireafrica #musicbusiness

Maximizing Earnings from Music Sampling: Insights and Realizations As we countdown to the eagerly anticipated Artistry and Music Business Academy For Africa Music Business Workshop, a thought-provoking question emerged from a recent conversation, sparking a deep dive into the nuanced world of music sampling and its potential for profitability. Reflecting on an earlier discussion with Lebogang ShugaSmakx Mothibe, I recall expressing my aspiration to emulate Dido's success with hooks or carve out a niche in creating music specifically for sampling by high-profile artists. Observing the landscape, it became evident that the realm of music crafted for commercial use by celebrated artists was relatively untapped. Marrying the joy of creation with the enigma of fame versus the integrity of the artistic process has always been my quest. The pivotal moment came when 9th Wonder, an internationally acclaimed producer, reached out to sample three tracks from my debut album, signaling a breakthrough, especially in collaboration with Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody. This experience called to mind Nathi Maphumulo's remarkable journey, transforming sampled artists into global sensations by featuring their work across prestigious stages worldwide, much like he did with Victor Ntoni, thereby introducing his music to a new generation. However, the anticipated financial rewards from such collaborations proved elusive. Despite securing a global publisher and affiliating myself with numerous Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), the anticipated royalties from radio plays in America—a significant marker of success—remained absent, challenging my assumptions about the profitability of sampling. This realization prompts a crucial conversation: Why hasn't there been any royalty income from the use of my songs in the album "The Idea of Beautiful"? It's common to direct frustration towards fellow artists in such scenarios, yet in this case, copyright ownership was equally shared among all collaborators. Was the financial outcome of this endeavor truly negligible? This Thursday I hope we unravel this mystery, delving into the complexities of music royalties, copyright, and the true cost of artistic collaboration. This exploration is not just about understanding past discrepancies but paving the way for artists to navigate the intricate dynamics of the music industry more effectively, ensuring their creativity is not just recognized but rightfully compensated. #MusicIndustry #MusicBusiness #Artistry #Royalties #CopyrightLaw #MusicSampling #ProfessionalGrowth #SampleTunesday #Nomisupasta #fetedelamusique #afropunk #primaverasound #afrikafestival

I wrote a little piece for TheMusic.com.au recently that was just published about WHY and HOW Australians (and any other global music industry) can break into the thriving markets across Asia. Hope you enjoy it! #musicisglobal #knowlegeispower #musicindustry #musicbusiness

Impact Of Dollar-Naira Exchange Rate On The Nigerian Music Industry The fluctuating exchange rates between the US dollar and the Nigerian naira present a formidable challenge, reshaping various facets of Nigeria's thriving music scene. https://lnkd.in/dRpsTeGj