In the past editions of the Rise Fund, we have reviewed over 500 applications from African independent artists and awarded more than $1,000 in funding. However, many exceptional artists miss out on the funding simply because they make avoidable mistakes during the submission process.
To stand out in Rise Fund III, you need to know where past applicants have tripped up and how you can position your proposal for success.
The first major mistake African artists make is skimming through the Rise Fund application instructions. It is easy to breeze through guidelines when you are eager to apply, but overlooking subtle requirements often leads to immediate disqualification. To avoid this, take the time to read every instruction on Rise Fund (volume 3) thoroughly before writing your responses.
Also, ensure you have met every baseline requirement before applying; from having your music active on Josplay to completing every requested field accurately, as applications will be judged on merit.
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Another common mistake is submitting a generic plan with vague or unrealistic financial requests. We often see artists submit applications with vague statements that don’t really explain anything, like ”I’ll use the money to promote my music.” We want applicants to demonstrate financial accountability and a grounded understanding of practical expenses. To fix this in your Rise Fund application, pitch a clear, honest goal backed by a specific project release or career objective.
Paint a vivid picture by detailing exactly how the funds will be used, whether studio
production, single distribution, or video production, so we can see precisely where every dollar will go and how it will directly advance your career.
Additionally, many African artists ignore the Rise Fund grant’s core purpose and the platform behind it. Applying to the Rise Fund hosted by Josplay without engaging with our ecosystem or understanding our mission is a missed opportunity. To make the most of this opportunity, you should maintain an active presence and ongoing engagement within the Josplay ecosystem.
Finally, to stand out, research previous winners; Rheed1, Kiria, DonboyDML, identify what they have in common, and reflect those insights in your submission. Show us that your work aligns with the Rise Fund’s vision for African music, and stay active within the Josplay community before, during, and after you submit.
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