Time is running out for African musicians to secure a spot in this year’s Josplay Rise Fund, a grant initiative supporting emerging artists across the continent. With the application window closing on August 18, 2025, the platform is urging eligible talent to submit their work and ensure their tracks are properly uploaded to Josplay’s artist portal before the midnight deadline.

Meanwhile, Josplay has unveiled full details for its highly anticipated Masterclass Ghana, set to take place on September 16, 2025, at the British Council in Accra. The event, themed “Music, Money & Meaning,” will feature a powerhouse panel discussion titled “The Future Is Local: Redefining Ghana’s Music Economy Through African Platforms Like Josplay.” Industry insiders expect the conversation to spark major debates on homegrown streaming services, artist royalties, and the push for African music independence.

Last Call for the Rise Fund

Aspiring beneficiaries of the Josplay Rise Fund—which offers financial support, mentorship, and exposure—must not only apply via josplayrisefund.org but also upload their original music to artist.josplay.com to validate their submission. Past recipients have gone on to secure record deals and international collaborations, making this one of the most competitive talent incubators in West Africa.

Masterclass Ghana: A Must-Attend for Industry Players

Scheduled for 11 AM, the Masterclass promises to be a pivotal gathering for artists, producers, and executives navigating the evolving music landscape. With streaming platforms like Josplay challenging global giants by prioritizing African content, the panel is expected to tackle pressing questions:

Can local platforms fairly compensate artists compared to international services?

How can Ghanaian musicians leverage digital tools for sustainable careers?

What does a truly “African-first” music economy look like?

Registration for the free event is now open at josplay.com/events—but spots are limited.

Why It Matters

As African artists continue to dominate global charts, initiatives like the Rise Fund and Josplay’s Masterclass underscore the urgency of building infrastructure that keeps revenue and creative control within the continent. For Ghana’s buzzing music scene, this could be a turning point.

Final reminder: Rise Fund applications close August 18. Miss it, and the next big break might too.