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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Universal Music Group, has announced the renewal of the Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative, a training program for Black musicians interested in composing film music.
The initiative was created in honour of South African musician, composer and Academy Award nominee Jonas Gwangwa, who passed away in 2021. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Score and Original Song for “Cry Freedom,” which he co-wrote with George Fenton. The program, which will launch in 2022, aims to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring Black composers in order to promote broader representation in film music composition.
Now in its second year, the initiative is presented in partnership with UMG's Task Force for Meaningful Change (TFMC) in collaboration with Mercury Studios, Universal Music Publishing Group Classics & Screen, Decca Records and UMG's Grove.
“Jonas Gwangwa's life and work as an artist-activist who used music as a vehicle for social change is undeniable, and we are honored to celebrate him with this program,” said Menna Demesie, senior vice president at UMG and executive director of the Task Force for Meaningful Change. “This initiative will create space for a more diverse range of film composers, ultimately providing career opportunities that will move the industry forward.”
The program is open to UK and US-based Black artists and composers with at least three years' working experience as musicians. Four participants will be selected through an application process, two from the UK and two from the US.
Participants will be paired with a filmmaker currently working on a short film and given the opportunity to compose the film's music. Each participant will receive a grant to support their film composing project.
Academy members are available across the various divisions as a resource to help participants understand the filmmaking process. Other benefits include one-on-one mentoring with members of the Academy's music department to learn the practical aspects of film music composition, access to Academy events and screenings in London and Los Angeles, and introductions to leading minds in all areas of film music, among other mentoring programs.
“After an incredibly successful first year, the Academy is excited to embark on year two of the Jonas Gwanga Songwriting Initiative,” said Kendra Carter, the Academy's senior vice president of impact and global talent development. “The goal of this program is to give underrepresented musicians a long-term career opportunity in the film industry. We're grateful to our partners at Universal Music Group and Academy members for making this work possible – we appreciate their passion, dedication and expertise.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Jonas Gwanga Music Composition Initiative.