Live Music Lab 2026 Opens Doors for Young Creatives in Mzansi
Mzansi continues to showcase a wealth of untapped talent, with new creatives emerging every day. Live Music Lab is providing a platform for aspiring industry professionals to gain hands-on experience and step into the music world. The 2026 edition of Live Music Lab has officially opened applications, offering a fully funded opportunity for participants to learn the inner workings of live music events.
Presented by Bassline in partnership with the National Arts Council, the Music In Africa Foundation’s NEFCISA Programme, and supported through the Social Employment Fund, the initiative is now in its third year of developing future music industry professionals. Branded as “Where legends are made (behind the scenes)”, the programme focuses on practical skills that drive concerts, festivals, and artist careers.
The programme began in 2024 as a collaboration between Bassline and the French Institute of South Africa. Organisers described it as growing from a “spark” into the cornerstone of Bassline’s training ecosystem, designed for creatives who understand that real impact happens behind the artist.
Running for three months, the 2026 edition will select just 10 participants for an intensive journey that combines classroom learning with hands-on industry exposure. Applications open on 15 January 2026 and close on 15 February 2026, with successful candidates notified on 19 February 2026.
Participants will gain experience on major live music platforms, including the Rhythmic Clash series, Bassline Artist Management, the Africa Rising Music Conference, Bassline Fest, and Fête de la Musique. Organisers emphasise that the programme is more than theoretical, calling it “an incubator for action.”
The programme targets unemployed Joburg residents aged 18 to 25 with a matric certificate and a strong interest in concert promotion, technical production, stage and backstage management, artist management, and marketing. Teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving are core components of the training. Participants will explore South Africa’s live music ecosystem, learn through mentorship, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them to work anywhere in the music business.
Live Music Lab also aims to maintain a 70% female participation target, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and transformation within the industry. By the end of the programme, learners are expected to be “industry-ready, road-tested, and prepared to work anywhere in the music business.” This initiative offers young creatives a unique chance to turn their passion into a viable career and play a key role in shaping Mzansi’s live music landscape.
