Beyond the Algorithm: African Musical Creativity in the Age of AI
AI & African Music Project – Open Call for Proposals
The Wits Innovation Centre (WIC), in partnership with the Machine Intelligence & Neural Discovery Institute (MIND) at Wits University, invites applications for AI & African Music, a pilot supporting bold new music initiatives that put African creativity at the center of artificial intelligence. From Amapiano to gospel, indigenous rhythms to Afrobeats, African musics offer tonalities, textures, and traditions that challenge and expand today’s AI tools—most of which are trained on Western data. This project supports creators working across music-making, archiving, education and tool development. Our goal is to build new futures for AI in music—ones shaped by African sounds, languages, and innovation.
Please note: All expressions of interest and formal applications must be submitted in English. This includes administrative communications, participation in the Community of Practice, and mentor meetings. However, artistic submissions and creative outputs may be in any language.
We’re seeking proposals that:
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Use AI to co-create, perform, and teach music rooted in African traditions Record, transcribe, and preserve African musical works—from oral heritage to digital formats Remix and reimagine genres like Amapiano, Afrobeats, gospel, jazz, and indigenous styles Build and localize AI tools that understand African sounds, languages, and workflows
What the programme offers:
Funding: ZAR 30,000 per month for four to six months for each selected musician
AI collaborator (engineer/technologist) support for four to six months
Collaborative project development workshop (Johannesburg, November 2025)
Advisor for monthly progress and reporting support for the project duration
Production support to prepare a showcase presentation or performance
Showcase: A final public performance or presentation and workshop (April 2026)
Who Can Apply
Musicians, producers, composers, and music educators of African descent, based in an African country, working in any genre.
Application Process
Submit your Expression of Interest by 14 September 2025 (17:00 SAST) to receive an invitation to the guidance webinar on 15 or 16 September, and complete your application by 23 September 2025 (17:00 SAST) with a 500-word project description, short bio/CV, and examples of past work.
