Sound Beyond Borders: Afro(-electronic) Music, Border Inequality and Structural Barriers
Conference
Sound Beyond Borders: Afro(-electronic) Music, Border Inequality and Structural Barriers
Speakers: Bethany Andrzejak (Program, Le Guess Who?), Coco Em (DJ), Shimza (DJ), Tobi Mohammed (Program, Homecoming Festival)
Moderator: Joey Akan
This panel addresses structural barriers limiting diversity across the international electronic music industry.
About this program
With the expansion of Afrobeats and Afro-electronic music into the international market, artists and programmers face significant structural, political and economical barriers that continue to separate African artists from the Western playing field: lengthy and bureaucratically heavy visa applications, racial profiling at the borders, as well as hefty financial limitations.
In this program, DJs Shimza (ZA) and Coco Em (KE) will discuss their experiences with agents Tobi Mohammed (Homecoming Festival) and Bethany Andrzejak (Le Guess Who?), moderated by journalist Joey Akan. Together, they will explore the challenges African artists face when touring and share strategies for overcoming these barriers through collaboration with sponsors, agents, and local authorities. They will also discuss the dangers of tapping into international genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, Gqom and more without actively making efforts to engage with local artists and communities.
Who is this program for?
This panel is curated for event organizers, brands and festivals who wish to work with African and international artists intending to integrate more international sounds into their lineups. As well as for international artists struggling with their expansion and seeking tools for making their touring experience easier.
This program is part of ADE Green, please note that you need an ADE Pro or ADE Green ticket to join this program. For the full ADE Green program, please check here.
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