Applications for auditions are now open for the Cape Town Arts Festival’s (CTAF) Beyond Busking Project (BBP), inviting aspiring performers to elevate their craft to new heights.
The unique initiative offers both emerging and established musicians comprehensive musical training, personal development, and unprecedented career opportunities.
Previous participants of the BBP have secured overseas performance contracts, produced original songs, and even recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
Cape Town Arts Festival CEO Yusuf Ganief said: “We owe this success to our remarkable creative partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation and the industry icons who guide our artists. Each year, the program grows stronger, offering Beyond Buskers complimentary services such as radio airplay, media coverage, and vital international connections in music production and performance. These resources would typically cost artists thousands, making them inaccessible to many South African creatives.”
One of the key facilitators is Clive Ridgway, an accomplished songwriter and author of Crack the SONGWRITING Code. Crafting hits for artists like Jonathan Butler and Judith Sephuma, Ridgway brings invaluable expertise to the program.
"The Beyond Busking Project is one of the most rewarding experiences I have as a songwriting teacher. The artists we work with are talented and hungry for learning and opportunity. They are without exception responsive and enthusiastic, making the holistic method I teach a perfect fit for this project. It’s much more than just music, and I’m eager to work with the 2024 intake," Ridgway said.
Auditions for the Beyond Busking Project 2024 will be held on November 5 at the Castle of Good Hope, Secunda Hall, from 9am to 3pm, and are open to emerging musicians not receiving PESP funding or government grants.
Each performer will have 5-10 minutes to showcase their talent before a panel of judges, with selected musicians entering a three-month upskilling program from November 12, 2024 to February 28, 2025, which includes training in songwriting, stage presence, vocal techniques, social media and digital marketing, musical arrangement, and studio recording.
“We are excited to continue nurturing talent through the Beyond Busking Project. This is an incredible opportunity for artists to grow and showcase their work on a global stage. We encourage all musicians to audition, whether they busk on the streets or not. Preference will be given to artists who both sing and play an instrument,” Ganief added.
For more information and to reserve an audition slot, email your bio, sound samples, video materials and contact details to thabo@capetownfestival.org.za, or call Thabo on 084 894 6890.
Cape Times