Music Connects Africa’s 2025 cohort concluded with a showcase in Harare, featuring performances and exhibitions by 50 participants, highlighting their new skills and significant impacts on their careers.
The 2025 edition of Music Connects Africa, a program by the British Council in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, ended with a showcase in Harare on August 24. The event showcased work and performances from program participants, including Afro-pop artist Melyssa, Afro-soul vocalist SAIIREN, and hip hop artists Paintafresco and Noluntu J.
The initiative, formerly called Scripts & Bars, has supported over 200 creatives since its start in 2022. This year’s cohort was the third, beginning in February, and included 50 participants, 40% of whom were women from various cities in Zimbabwe. The program offered six masterclasses led by industry experts covering topics like branding, contracts, and artist management. Participants also completed an online course focusing on business skills for the music industry.
Seven live events in Harare and Bulawayo attracted over 2,000 attendees, with 62% of performers being women. About 75% of artists secured bookings from these events. The program also included a recording camp where 11 participants produced 14 songs, with eight tracks set for a collaborative release. Additionally, ten participants received funding, leading to the creation of 15 audio tracks and several music videos. The content produced has gained over 500,000 online views within two months.
The program had a significant impact on participants, with 90% feeling the skills gained would help their careers, and 95% considering music a viable long-term profession. Many reported positive changes in their work due to the program. Key partners included Ditto Music Africa and Reprezent Radio, among others.
Keith Kuhudzai, the project lead, noted the program showcased the potential of Zimbabwean musicians when given proper support and resources. Although the 2025 showcase marked the end of this cohort, the program will continue until 2028 and aims to provide ongoing support to graduates through an alumni network.
