Afrosymphony supports African singers and singers of African heritage in Scotland. We offer the chance of a paid gig in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen in October/November and a Glasgow recording session in December with London based Scottish producer Auntie Flo. Then, you’re invited to perform the opening night of the Govan Music Festival in March with a live orchestra in a 1000 cap venue. You’re eligible if you’re 18 or over and resident in Scotland.
We ask you to upload:
1. an audio or video file, or provide a public or unlisted YouTube link of you performing one song in any language and style.
2. If you’re uploading an audio file, please also upload a recent picture of yourself.
3. Proof of residency in Scotland, which is your name and address on e.g. a council tax or utility bill, tenancy agreement or mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, HMRC, DWP, Jobcentre Plus or Home Office correspondence, payslip, NHS or GP letter, driving licence. You can blank out other personal details.
Here’s the timeline:
From September 1st to midnight September 21st, you can apply through this link. We can’t accept late or incomplete applications.
From September 22nd to October 5th, the jury selects the shortlisted acts. The jury comprises eleven diverse top UK music professionals, nine of whom are black. We publish their names on October 6th.
October 6th – shortlisted singers are invited to perform in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen at the end of October, beginning November. We offer a £100 fee by invoice and bank transfer, plus travel and overnight where needed.
Aberdeen Thu Oct 29th - The Cellar @ The Noose & Monkey 31-35 Rosemount Viaduct, AB25 1NQ
Edinburgh - Sun Nov 1st - Cabaret Voltaire (upstairs) 36-28 Blair St, EH1 1QR
Glasgow - Tue Nov 3rd - Stereo, 22 Renfield Lane, G2 5AR
December 4th and 5th, three singers chosen by Auntie Flo will work with him in Glasgow to produce a track each. Your studio fee is £200 plus travel and overnight where needed. These tracks’ intellectual property is between the singers and him, with the condition they are first performed at the Govan Music Festival.
March 14th, Glasgow, opening night of the 6th Govan Music Festival - the three singers perform their new tracks plus any back catalogue they want to perform, up to 15 minutes each. Auntie Flo performs his own set. The Glasgow Barons orchestra accompanies the artists live throughout. Your performance fee is £167.16 (Mu National gig rates) plus travel and overnight where needed.
If you require assistance for the application form or have any other questions, please contact ciaran@glasgowbarons.com
Being an emerging artist can be tough. Access wellbeing and mental health support through:
Afrosymphony is supported by the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund and Creative Scotland
