AI × Wits: Apply Now For The AI & African Music Project
The Wits Innovation Centre and the MIND Institute are calling for bold, creator-led projects that put African musical creativity at the centre of AI — from amapiano and Afrobeats to gospel, jazz and indigenous traditions.
What You Get: ZAR 30,000 per month for 4–6 months, support from an AI collaborator (engineer/technologist), a development workshop in Johannesburg (November 2025), ongoing mentorship, production support, and a final public showcase (April 2026).
Who Can Apply: Musicians, producers, composers and music educators of African descent, permanently based in an African country, across any genre.
Key Dates (SAST): Expression of Interest due 14 September 2025, 17:00 (webinar invites follow on 15–16 September). Full application due 23 September 2025, 17:00.
Focus Areas:
- Use AI to co-create, perform and teach music rooted in African traditions.
- Record, transcribe and preserve African musical works and oral heritage.
- Remix and reimagine genres (amapiano, Afrobeats, gqom, heritage styles).
- Build/localise AI tools that understand African sounds, languages and workflows.
Read the full call and apply via Wits AI & African Music. For questions, use the official enquiry form on the AIAM page. Let’s shape the future of music on African terms.
