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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday (July 10) announced the second year of the Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative, a career development program for Black musicians interested in composing for film. Launching in 2022, the program will provide real-world experience, one-on-one mentoring and networking opportunities with the goal of fostering broader representation in film music composition.
The program is named in memory of the late South African jazz musician, composer and producer Jonas Gwangwa, who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 83, and was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Original Music and Best Original Song, for his 1987 collaboration with George Fenton, Cry Freedom.
Partners in the program are Universal Music Group's (UMG) Task Force for Meaningful Change (TFMC), Mercury Studios, Universal Music Publishing Group Classics and Screen, Decca Records and UMG's Globe.
The program is open to Black artists and composers based in the UK and US with at least three years of working experience as musicians. Four participants, two from the UK and two from the US, will be selected through an application process. Participants will enjoy a range of mentorship programs, including access to Academy members across departments to understand the filmmaking process, one-on-one mentoring with members of the Academy's music department to learn about the practical aspects of film composing, attendance at Academy events and screenings in London and Los Angeles, and introductions to leading minds across all areas of film music.
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.
“After an incredibly successful first year, the Academy is excited to embark on year two of the Jonas Gwanga Songwriting Initiative,” Kendra Carter, the Academy's senior vice president of impact and global talent development, said in a statement. “The goal of the program is to give underrepresented musicians a lasting career opportunity in the film industry. We're grateful to our partners at Universal Music Group and Academy members for their passion, dedication and expertise in making this work possible.”
“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 honor him with this program,” said Dr. Menna Demesie, UMG's senior vice president and executive director of the Task Force for Meaningful Change. “This effort will continue to contribute to creating space for more diverse film composers and ultimately providing career opportunities that will advance the industry itself.”
Applications are currently being accepted for the Jonas Gwanga Music Composition Initiative. For more information, please visit the Academy's website.