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Power Radio
London Calling Podcast Yana Bolder
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the second year of the Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative, a career development program for Black musicians interested in composing music for film. Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to foster broader representation in film music composition by offering real-world experience, one-on-one mentorship, and networking opportunities. Named in memory of the late South African jazz musician Jonas Gwangwa, the program honors his legacy and contributions to music. Gwangwa, who passed away in January 2021, was a renowned composer and producer, celebrated for his Oscar-nominated work on the film “Cry Freedom.
This program is a collaboration with Universal Music Group’s (UMG) Task Force for Meaningful Change (TFMC), Mercury Studios, Universal Music Publishing Group Classics and Screen, Decca Records, and UMG’s Globe. It is open to Black artists and composers based in the U.K. and the U.S. who have at least three years of professional experience as musicians. Four participants—two from each country—will be selected through an application process. These participants will gain valuable insights into the filmmaking process through access to Academy members across various branches, one-on-one mentorship with members of the Academy’s Music Branch, and introductions to leading practitioners in the field of film music. Additionally, participants will attend Academy events and screenings in London and Los Angeles.
Each participant will be paired with a filmmaker working on a short film, providing them with the opportunity to compose music for the film. They will also receive a grant to support their projects. Kendra Carter, the Academy’s senior vice president of impact and global talent development, expressed excitement about the program’s second year, emphasizing its goal to create long-term career opportunities for underrepresented musicians. Menna Demessie, Ph.D., senior vice president of UMG and executive director of the Task Force for Meaningful Change, highlighted the importance of celebrating Jonas Gwangwa’s legacy through this initiative, which aims to create a more diverse cadre of film music composers and advance the industry as a whole
Written by: Power Radio
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