‘Music Business Academy for Africa’ Returns

Tosin Clegg

The Music Business Academy for Africa Programme is now accepting applications for its third edition. The programme aims to train and nurture the continent’s future music business leaders, artists, and executives. 

Godwin Tom, the founder of Music Business Academy for Africa and Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing, Nigeria/West Africa said that before now, there was nowhere to learn about the business when he first started out in this industry.

“So, I, like many of my peers, had to make so many mistakes, and it took me years to realize I had been doing so many things wrong. The 2023 Edition of the MBA for Africa program themed, ‘Bridging the Gap’ is an initiative of the company that focuses on connecting people to information and opportunities within and outside of Africa,” he said.

He further added that this year, the MBAA is unveiling a French and Swahili version of the programme in order to further its theme across the African continent. It is in partnership with Music Ally, a global music business knowledge and skills company. “The Music Business Academy for Africa continues to go from strength to strength. The educational model with its practical formation of its alumni is second to none, and the impact on the African music industry is very real. Music Ally stands proudly alongside in support of its mission,” he said. 

The programme, slated to run for 9 months from July 2023 to March 2024, will teach seven modules covering key areas such as Management, Marketing, and A&R with a curriculum developed in partnership with Professor Carlos Chirinos from the NYU Music Business Programme.

Led by Elizabeth Sobowale, the MBAA’s Programme director, this year’s MBAA seeks to ensure at least 50% of participants in the programme are women. The Women’s Fund hit its 40% target last year with support from brands like Linkfire, VBank, and YouTube. 

“The MBA Women’s fund is really important to us. As a woman who struggled to see the music industry as a viable career path, it’s great that initiatives like this exist to encourage more women to take part and have the opportunity to become future leaders, executives, and innovators in the music industry. MBA is committed to creating a safe and welcoming training environment for women,” Sobowale said.