Internship Programme 2026 – Applications Now Open
Downtown Music Publishing Africa—Africa’s leading independent music publisher and rights-management partner—is pleased to open applications for the 2026 Internship Programme.
Our programme provides structured learning in copyright, creative and sync, A&R and marketing, business affairs, neighbouring rights and royalty operations.
Interns gain hands-on industry experience while contributing to the development and protection of African music on a global stage.
This is a paid one-year internship starting 1 February 2026.
Why Join the DMP Africa 2026 Internship Programme?
Mentorship From Industry Experts
Learn directly from experienced teams across publishing, creative, business affairs, royalties and A&R, with guidance designed to accelerate your professional development.
Exposure to a Global Rights Network
As part of the Downtown group, DMP Africa works closely with teams across publishing, creative services, royalty accounting and performance rights.
Interns will gain insight into how rights flow across global markets and how African catalogues are administered internationally.
Real Industry Experience
Interns work on live projects, supporting DMPA’s frontline creators, estates, catalogues and partners—including tasks in metadata, contracts, creative pitching, research, A&R scouting, neighbouring rights and royalty processing.
Networking Opportunities
Build a professional network across African music creators, producers, industry executives and international Downtown colleagues.
Areas of Learning & Exposure (2026 Cohort)
1. Copyright & Rights Administration
- Understanding intellectual property in music
- Works registration, metadata and catalogue management
- Protecting creators’ rights
- Understanding global copyright societies
- Data accuracy and conflict resolution
2. Creative & Synchronisation
- Music selection for advertising, TV/film, gaming and digital content
- Sync research and pitching
- Understanding usage rights for sync placements
- Working with the Skumba Production Music Library, including curation, metadata and creative briefs
- Analysing cultural and musical trends across Africa and diasporic markets
3. Business Affairs
- Introduction to publishing contracts and rights agreements
- Understanding acquisition, sub-publishing and administration terms
- Basic deal evaluation and drafting principles
- Exposure to corporate governance, policy and compliance
- Supporting internal and external legal workflows
4. A&R & Marketing
- Talent discovery using creative and data-led approaches
- Identifying sonic and cultural trends
- Supporting songwriter and producer development
- Catalogue storytelling and campaign planning
- Understanding marketing for publishing: positioning catalogues, creators and moments
- Analysing audience insights and branding fundamentals
5. Royalty Accounting & Neighbouring Rights
- Royalty collection, matching and reporting
- Introduction to Curve and global royalty systems
- Understanding mechanical, performance, sync and micro-licensing revenue flows
- Neighbouring rights fundamentals: performer, master owner and broadcast revenue
- Data analysis and interpreting royalty statements
Who Should Apply?
Ideal applicants are:
- Achievers with interest in the business of music and global rights
- Strong in writing, analysis, creativity or project management skills
- Passionate about African music and culture
- Eager to learn and proactive in problem-solving
- Preferred backgrounds include: Music, Law, Business, Marketing, Film/TV, Digital Media, Project Management, Data Analytics
What You’ll Gain
- Practical experience across multiple publishing disciplines
- Training aligned to global rights-management standards
- Exposure to leading African catalogues and global systems
- Mentorship and structured feedback
- A continental and global professional network
- A certificate of completion and potential pathways into full-time roles
How to Apply
Email: careers@downtownmusic.africa
Subject: DMPA Internship 2026 – [Your Name]
Submit:
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Motivation (max 300 words): Why you want to join DMP Africa
Apply on LinkedIn: Apply via LinkedIn
Applications close: 19 December 2025
Start date: 1 February 2026
Location: Johannesburg (hybrid)
About Downtown Music Publishing Africa
DMP Africa represents leading African creators and catalogues and manages rights for frontline and legacy estates.
Our services include copyright administration, creative and sync, A&R support, neighbouring rights, royalty accounting and global rights management.
Begin Your Career in Rights, Creativity and the Global Music Business
Join us as we build the next chapter of African music publishing.
