Training courses on Marketing, communication, media and sponsors
In the framework of the African Music Development Programme, the International Music Council in partnership with “ LE KOLATIER “ implemented from October 5th to October 8th at Yaoundé, Cameroon a training session designed for young African music professionals. Participants were selected through an online application process. This first edition brought together 18 participants who travelled from 6 different countries of West and central Africa. The training was held within the premises of CERDOTOLA (le Centre international de recherche et de documentation sur les traditions et les langues africaines). On the opening day European Union delegation representative in Cameroon, Director of Le kolatier Luc Yatchokeu, AMDP project coordinator Charles Houdart and CERDOTOLA senior executive Kladoumadje Nadjaldongar warmly welcomed the participants and officially kicked off the session. The first 3 days of the training were led by former Artist manager and now cultural promoter and entrepreneur Thierno OUSMANE BA. He covered topics such as marketing, communication, social media and provided participants with a 1 on 1 coaching seesion. On the last day, Orange Cameroon communication & partnership manager Blaise Etoa took over and shared his professional experience on how to seek for financial support and sponsorship. Following the last course on that same day, IMC Secretary General SILJA FISCHER gave a closing speech to draw an end to the training and then handed over training certificates to all participants for their attendance and commitment.
AMDP internships, Concerts (Showcases), Arterial’s Conference
As part of IMC’s partnership with LE KOLATIER, others AMDP activities were implemented prior and around the training week period. For its 8th edition le festival LE KOLATIER welcomed three AMDP interns from Ivory Coast, Burkina and Congo to join the Festival organizing team and perform a long term internship of 2 and 4 months. From Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th, Concerts took place at the Institut Français of Yaoundé. More than fifty emerging African artists, talent managers, and cultural promoters participated in this 2015 edition.
Then On Friday 9th and over two days, Arterial network organized the 5th edition of the Creative Economy Conference. Professionals from all across Africa and beyond came to discuss and find sustainable solutions about cultural issues and how to build a strong art sector in Africa. On this occasion three others AMDP young interns from the Technical University of Kenya joined forces with the Arterial Network team and perform a short ten days internship to help put in place the conference.
All AMDP Trainers and participants were granted with the opportunity to attend both the conference and the concerts. They could take advantage of these meetings to dialogue with other cultural actors, and start to build their own network. With all of this happening at the same time, Participants as regard of their professional and academic background could not have been at a better place. They could develop awareness on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the Cultural industry. It was a once in a lifetime experience and these young music professionals understood that very well. They showed commitment to work and professionalism. They demonstrated that we are at the dawn of a new Africa led by young, dynamic and devoted people who are willing to learn and make a change in their geopolitical area and within the continent. An Africa that understands the socio-economic challenges ahead and is looking for efficient ways to face them. A place where cultural pluralism is seen as a strength rather than a threat.
