Women in Music South Africa, Paradise Sound System and Trace Southern Africa are calling all emerging women-identifying artists and bands to be part of the ‘Searching for Paradise’ compilation to be released this April.
In line with the ethos of Women in Music South Africa (WIMSA), the “Searching for Paradise” call aims to advance the awareness, equality, diversity, heritage, opportunities, and cultural aspects of women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment, and recognition.
Twelve finalists will have the opportunity to be part of the “Searching for Paradise” compilation as well as receive coaching sessions from TRACE, WIMSA and Paradise Sound System about how to develop your career as an independent artist, and one of the finalists will win a music video.
“At Trace, we believe that it is our duty to help female artists grow in the industry especially in these trying times. We are on a mission to ensure female musicians have an easier road to success. Along with our partners, we believe that we can achieve this goal and help create a sustainable future for women in the music industry,” shares Trace’s Managing Director – Southern Africa & Regional Director Anglophone Africa Valentine Gaudin-Muteba.
Women in Music South Africa Chapter Chair, Tumi Mogapi adds: “We are always looking for ways to provide opportunities for our members and what better way than to spotlight their work and assist them to take it to market with the help of our amazing partnerships and allyship.”
“To build bridges between Africa and the Rest of World and to create a more inclusive diverse music sector for all is the reason for our existence. Proudly supporting and developing new ways to drive this sentiment on a consistent basis!” shares Sarah Jane Nicholson, MD Paradise Worldwide (Africa).
Think you have what it takes or know someone that can benefit from this opportunity? See submission details below.
All you need to do is to submit your new music here and stand a chance to release your latest single with Paradise Sound System and be one of 12 artists chosen for a brand new music video with Trace Urban Southern Africa!
Submit your entry by the 25 February 2022 with your band or artist info, music and links and convince us your next release is a summer smash hit!
The #SearchingForParadise jury consisting of women identifying industry experts from different fields will shortlist the best 12 artists and band submissions and will choose the final 12 winning songs!
Who can apply?
Artists, producers or bands:
- South African residence
- Unsigned artists who have original ready to release music
- Artists & Bands should play a genre that is accessible to a wide variety of people
- Ensure that their lyrics and ‘on stage messages’ will be free of any discrimination based on gender, race, religion, etc…
How to apply?
- Become a member of Women in Music South Africa. Women in the South African music industry are invited to join the local chapter here: https://bit.ly/wimsamembership
- Artists & Bands should apply online via https://www.searchinforparadise.com/apply/ by 25 February 2022 midnight CAT. Each artist or band should submit at least one mastered song or audio (.mp3) / WAV format
What can you win?
- Each finalist will have the opportunity to be part of the #SearchingForParadise compilation which will be released on 15 April 2022
- Finalists will receive coaching sessions from TRACE, WIMSA and Paradise Sound System about how to develop your career as an independent artist
- One of the finalists will win a music video which will be decided by the highest number of streams and traction
- Winners will be informed in March by email and/or by telephone
Words from women in music supporting the “Searching for Paradise” call:
“An opportunity to see women taking a more integral role in the music industry is something I am fully backing and very excited about. I often find myself on stages where I am the only woman performing on the entire lineup and that truly has to change. As the world emerges from a pandemic, we need more women to step into their power and find their voice because the world needs female energy to transform and heal this planet. I am so excited to be a part of this search to find and empower some of the beautiful talents from our continent!” – Juliet Harding, GoodLuck
“I love the WIMSA community for the insightful conversations they always have surrounding the music industry. It’s very encouraging to hear about the industry through women’s perspectives, by women – without it being a ‘woe is me’ scenario. These conversations give us access to helpful platforms, for instance having a channel partner such as TRACE made the process of submitting my music video that much smoother. This is definitely a community one can always benefit from.” – Spokenpriestess
“Initiatives led by women and men looking to build a more inclusive and diverse music business for all are important allowing for more and more female executives to reach a higher level of responsibility and leading to more artists and producers getting the momentum and support they rightly deserve.” – Meike Nolte – Head of Artist Relations Beatport
