For talented independent African artists who are in need of systemic funding to support their music careers.
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1. What’s the Josplay Rise Fund all about?
The Josplay Rise Fund is a funding programme created by Josplay to support independent African artists with the financial backing they need to move their music forward.
We recognise that many talented artists have the music, the ideas and the ambition, but lack the resources to properly promote a release, create quality content, reach new
audiences or take the next important step in their careers.
The Rise Fund provides selected artists with financial grants to support specific music-
related projects or career needs. The goal is not simply to give artists money, but to help them turn good ideas into tangible outcomes.
Depending on the edition of the fund, artists may use the grant for activities such as music promotion, marketing, content production, post-production, distribution, or other legitimate activities that can contribute to the growth of their music career.
At its core, the Rise Fund is about putting resources behind independent artists with the potential, vision and drive to rise.
Read: Why You Should Apply For Josplay Rise Fund
2. Which countries are eligible to apply for the fund?
The Josplay Rise Fund is open to independent artists based in eligible African countries.
Eligibility may vary by edition of the fund, so applicants should check the official eligibility requirements for the specific Rise Fund edition they are applying to.
If your country is listed as eligible, you can apply as long as you also meet the other
requirements of that edition, including any criteria relating to your music, career stage, and proposed use of the grant.
3. What are the basic eligibility criteria to apply for the Josplay Rise Fund?
To apply for the Josplay Rise Fund, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the
specific edition of the fund. In general, applicants should:
● Be an independent African artist.
● Be actively creating and releasing music.
● Maintain an active presence and ongoing engagement within the Josplay ecosystem.
● Have a clear project, release, or career objective that the funding will support.
● Be able to explain how the grant will be used and what they intend to achieve with it.
● Submit the required application information and supporting materials within the
stated application period.
The Rise Fund is intended for artists who have a clear reason for needing funding and a credible plan for putting that funding to work.
Read: What Josplay expects from Rise Fund III applicants
4. What does the Rise Fund offer to selected artists?
Selected artists receive a financial grant to help them execute a specific music-related
project or take an important step in their career.
The grant can support eligible activities such as music promotion, marketing, content
production, post-production, distribution, and other approved career-development needs.
Beyond the financial support, the Rise Fund is designed to give independent artists an
opportunity to turn ideas into action, reach new audiences, and build momentum around their music.
The exact grant amount, number of recipients, eligible expenses, and any additional benefits depends on the specific edition of the Rise Fund.
Most importantly, the Rise Fund is a grant, not a loan. Selected artists are not expected to repay the funding, provided they comply with the applicable terms of the programme.
Here’s what to know about the Josplay Rise Fund.
5. When is the next edition coming up?
Applications will open in November. Keep in mind that Rise Fund III will feature a larger, more impactful rollout than previous editions.
Keep an eye on official Josplay social media handles and the Josplay Rise Fund Website for the official application date. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to info@josplay.com.
Did you complete the Josplay App User Survey ?
My name is Danjuma Amos Olobo, professionally known as Spase Signs+, a Nigerian upcoming music artist from Kogi State, Nigeria.
I am writing with great respect to seek your support and assistance as I build my music career and work toward bringing my music to a wider international audience.
Music is more than entertainment to me. It is my voice, my passion, and a way of communicating stories, hopes, struggles, dreams, and messages of encouragement to young people. Through Afrobeat, Amapiano and Dancehall-inspired sounds, I want to create music that represents Africa, connects people, and gives hope to those pursuing their dreams.
As an emerging independent artist, I face significant challenges with funding for professional recording, music production, videos, promotion, digital distribution, branding, performances and international exposure. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to developing my talent and building a meaningful career in the African and global music industry.
I would be deeply grateful if the Tilga Foundation could consider supporting me through any available grant, mentorship, artistic development program, creative residency, equipment support, promotional opportunity, or connection to music-industry professionals.
I am willing to provide my music, biography, photographs, social-media profiles, project proposals, and any other information required for consideration.
My dream is to grow from an independent upcoming artist into an internationally recognized African musician while using my platform to inspire young people and promote positive messages from Africa to the world.
Thank you for taking the time to read my request. I sincerely hope my story and musical vision can be considered for any opportunity available through your foundation.
Yours faithfully,
Danjuma Amos Olobo
Artist Name: Spase Signs+
Nigeria
Email: [amosdanjumaolobo@gmail.com](mailto:amosdanjumaolobo@gmail.com)
Phone: 07035577779
Thank you, Spase Signs+, for reaching out and sharing your story with us.
Rise Fund 3 is open to independent African artists, including artists from Nigeria. We encourage you to prepare your Josplay artist profile, music catalogue and supporting materials ahead of the official application window.
Applications have not opened yet. Please keep an eye on josplayrisefund.org for the official announcement.
We look forward to seeing your work and welcoming you to Rise Fund 3.