At the end of January this year, our team at Ntha Foundation had the honor of attending the Sound Connects Fund (SCF) Closing Conference in Maputo, Mozambique. This pivotal event marked the conclusion of a transformative journey spanning over three years, during which SCF significantly influenced Southern Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs).
The Journey of Sound Connects Fund
Implemented by the Music in Africa Foundation and Goethe-Institut, the SCF aimed to accelerate development and capacity-building across nine Southern African countries, including Malawi, through grant support and immersive training programs. Over 40 months, SCF supported 36 cultural organizations through three rounds of funding, distributing grants between €35,000 and €180,000. These grants facilitated the production and distribution of creative works, empowered underrepresented voices, and drove sustainable growth within the creative sectors.
The SCF Closing Conference in Maputo was a culmination of the program’s milestones, celebrating the collaborations, projects, and partnerships established through this initiative. The event brought together grantees, cultural practitioners, and key stakeholders, offering a platform to reflect on the successes and chart pathways forward.
Our Contribution Through Music4Malawi
For Ntha Foundation, the SCF was a catalyst that allowed us to expand the scope of our flagship initiative, Music4Malawi (M4M). Initially launched in 2021 with a €10,000 grant from the Music in Africa Foundation, M4M focused on equipping Malawian artists with digital skills essential for navigating the evolving music landscape.
By May 2023, following the successful completion of the Music in Africa Live (MIAL) project, we secured an additional €68,000 grant under SCF to scale and operationalize the second edition of M4M. This funding supported the establishment of a live music production studio and allowed for the execution of comprehensive workshops, business incubation, and the hosting of major showcase events.
Achievements and Impact
Through this initiative, we:
- Engaged 16 staff members dedicated to project delivery.
- Onboarded 58 participants (32 male and 26 female) across various programs.
- Conducted intensive workshops covering branding, intellectual property management, audience development, and alternative revenue modeling for artists.
- Launched events such as Battle of the Bands, which encouraged participants to reimagine Malawian classics.
- Partnered with the Maso Awards to provide performance platforms for emerging artists.
- Developed the Kwathu Konversations podcast, spotlighting creative talents across Malawi and beyond.
Financial support played a crucial role in elevating local creatives, with participants receiving awards ranging from €250 to €1,000 for their projects. This not only enhanced their capacity but also strengthened the creative ecosystem by fostering collaboration and innovation.
Closing Conference Highlights
The Maputo conference was an inspiring experience, showcasing the incredible impact that SCF has had across Southern Africa. Panel discussions delved into the sustainability of creative industries, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and strategies for scaling initiatives post-funding.
A key takeaway for our team was the emphasis on network-building and the value of creating long-term collaborations beyond the lifespan of the SCF project. The bonds formed during this period will continue to drive growth, innovation, and cultural exchange across the region.
Looking Ahead
As SCF closes this chapter, we remain deeply committed to sustaining the momentum gained. At Ntha Foundation, our focus is to leverage the lessons learned and networks built through SCF to continue fostering creativity, innovation, and economic growth within Malawi’s creative sector.
The successes of Music4Malawi are a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and dedication to empowering local talent. We look forward to building upon this foundation, expanding our initiatives, and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Southern Africa’s cultural landscape.
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Business Development Associate; Ms. Abigail Zingani via contact@kwathucentre.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850749.
To keep up with the work of the Ntha Foundation, our hubs under the Kwathu Kollective, our initiatives, and our projects, follow us on social media:
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