CNM International Songwriting Sessions West Africa

About the Open Call

Organized by the CNM and the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with rain.Labs, these sessions unite French songwriters with their West African counterparts. The program focuses on mainstream genres including afrobeats, pop, rap, soul, R&B, and highlife. Participants will work in rotating groups across four studios, culminating in a listening session with local industry professionals and media. The CNM also offers assistance in organizing professional meetings with labels, promoters, and publishers.

What is Offered

Covers studio time, coordination of writing teams, listening session organization, and lunches. Depending on the artist's origin, it may also cover accommodation in Accra, transfers, and international travel expenses (provided by the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire for non-Ghanaian West African artists).

Requirements

Open to French artists (or those signed to a French label/publisher) and West African artists. Focus is on 'mainstream' genres (afrobeats, pop, rap, soul, R&B, highlife). Participants are encouraged to be accompanied by a member of their professional team.

How to Apply

Applications are open until Friday, January 2. Interested parties should contact Ben Ling (ben.ling@cnm.fr) and Benjamin Demelemester (benjamin.demelemester@cnm.fr) for further information on the application process.