Africa Unsigned competition in Amsterdam

TEDxAmsterdam & Africa Unsigned competition for 3 female artists from Kenya

Africa Unsigned Provides a Platform for Kenyan Artists during TEDx Amsterdam
THE NEW AFRICAN SOUND IS CLOSER THROUGH CROWDFUNDING
Amsterdam, 16th September 2010 – Monday the 20th September initiator Pim Betist and Jazz pianist Mike del Ferro will kick off a unique crowd funding competition during TEDxChange Amsterdam. Africa Unsigned and TEDx Amsterdam will give the winning artist the opportunity to perform live on stage on the 30th of November in the National Theater of Amsterdam. The Kenyan artist who raises the largest amount of money before the 30th of October will be offered travel costs, accommodation, studio time and a performance at the prestigious TEDx Amsterdam event on the 30th of November. TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx stands for independently organized event. A new program that enables local communities such as schools, businesses, libraries, neighborhoods or just groups of friends to organize, design and host their own independent, TED-like events
Voting with your wallet
Music fans including the Africa Unsigned community can support their favorite artist with a minimum amount of 1 US dollar. For this competition three Kenyan African artists have been nominated : Muthoni, Neema and Liz Ogumbo. A minor investment from a large group of music lovers could make it possible for these artists to enjoy a brighter future in the music industry. By investing in one of the Kenyan artists music fans get a chance to win an invitation to see their favorite artist perform live at TEDx Amsterdam on the 30th of November. All of the money invested during this competition will be eventually be invested towards the recording of a professional EP. Investing is open to everyone on www.africaunsigned.com .

Co-Operation
The ambitious character and innovative approach of both Africa Unsigned and TEDx Amsterdam made their co-operation a logical approach. Program Director of TEDx Amsterdam, Monique van Dusseldorp: “ In our program we provide a platform for new and upcoming artists. The manner in which Africa Unsigned supports artists in Africa to break through in the western music industry is one we would like to support by offering them a platform for their skills. Pim Betist has a unique way of working that identifies with the philosophies of TED.”

Performance in Amsterdam’s Stadsschouwburg
The Kenyan artist that brings in most money through the investments of fans before the 30th of October will perform in Amsterdam’s “Stadsschouwburg” on the 30th November 2010 during the TEDx Amsterdam event. Travel and accommodation costs are taken care of by TEDx. In addition to that, the artist will also be offered some valuable studio time while in Amsterdam.

Crowd funding
All artists who reach the amount of $10,000 will be able to record a professional EP and receive guidance and promotion from Africa Unsigned. The music is distributed to all the fans that supported the artist. Africa Unsigned promotes the EP and distributes it to all online music stores (including iTunes and Amazon). The profits are shared equally between the fans and the artist.

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