A Music Information Platform in sub-Saharan Africa
Siemens Stiftung and the Goethe-Institut marked the beginning of a long-term project with a conference in August 2011 in Johannesburg. The goal of the project is to set up an internet-based platform for music information.
Knowledge for creating a future, based upon information which in turn forms a basis for dialogue; this is what the project is about, aiming to offer those interested access to information on African music. The frequently bemoaned shortcomings concerning communication within Africa also affect areas that play an important role in the development of civil society; music being a building block for cultural interaction and exchange.
The project, initiated by the Siemens Stiftung and the Goethe-Institut, is designed to found an internet-based platform for music information. Basic information will be offered for music makers on the continent. Not only will the platform provide access to major composers and interpreters, it will also offer insight on the musical landscape of Africa. At the same time it will serve as a guide for music makers and those interested, where information can be found about institutions and associations, music education and further education, archives, media and music portals, sponsorship and legal matters and also events.
Impressions from the launch conference in Johannesburg; Photographer: Emeka Ogboh, Lagos
Conference in South Africa
The conference – held in Johannesburg from 24.08. to 27.08.2011, with dignitaries from the African music scene – was held to discuss and investigate interests and needs, and to focus and develop further praxis-oriented steps. It was attended by musicians, composers, musicologists, representatives from both private and public music institutions, music journalists such as radio moderators, publishers of music literature, music instrument makers, teachers, record label owners and festival directors.
Despite coming from different fields of work and consequently having different needs and visions, it was unanimously agreed that such a platform not only made sense, it is absolutely necessary. Intra-African exchange and access to reliable information was particularly important to the participants from the countries of Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zanzibar, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Agreement was reached to form a sustainable structure together with local partners, enabling cross-genre, transnational and reliable communication that globally showcases African music.
The first step towards the completion of a music information centre in sub-Saharan Africa has been taken. The next step involves extensive research being conducted within the individual countries. The Goethe-Institut and its global network and very good knowledge of the cultural scenes in sub-Saharan Africa, nicely compliments the international know-how of the Siemens Stiftung.
„My people perish from a lack of knowledge.“ (Hosea 4:6)
Please accommodate the intended inconvenience of extracting a quotation from the Bible. This extract rings true to the ‚African condition‘. Lack of knowledge, past and present, is the number one enemy of the people of Africa. The music industry has not been spared off this calamity. What better way of addressing this issues than creating an avenue and platform for the free flow of information. The continent has fallen victim to a series of serious disinformation projects. This has led to fragmented efforts in addressing critical developmental issues. The music information centre is but one effort in contributing to the reversing the artistic fortunes of the continent. It will create space for the interaction and collaboration of continental musicians. It is, hopefully, a timely intervention in projecting a positive image of the continent and connecting musicians. The continent needs it more than ever before. (Mokale Koapeng, composer)
Partners
Goethe-Institut
A globally active cultural institution from Germany, the Goethe-Institut promotes the German language abroad, nurtures international cultural collaborations and provides a comprehensive picture of Germany. In times of new global challenges, the Goethe-Institut aims to offer greater understanding between cultures. The sub-Saharan regional office of the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg focuses on supporting cultural scenes and promoting pan-African dialogue through the arts.
Project supervisor
Katrin Beck
büro für kulturmanagement
Regional project director
Dr. Katharina von Ruckteschell-Katte
Goethe-Institut Südafrika
Regional project supervisor
Henrike Groß
Goethe-Institut Südafrika
