Johannesburg’s creative industry continues to shape the cultural heartbeat of South Africa, and at the centre of this movement is live music. While artists shine on stage, it is the skilled professionals behind the scenes who ensure that every performance, festival, and tour comes to life.
Live Music Lab 2026 is an impactful opportunity designed to empower the next generation of live music practitioners and strengthen the creative economy from the inside out. Now entering its third year, Live Music Lab has grown from a bold 2024 collaboration between Bassline and the French Institute of South Africa into a vital pillar of live music skills development. The programme was created for young creatives who understand that sustainable careers in music are built not only through talent, but through knowledge, discipline, and hands-on industry experience.
The 2026 edition marks a powerful evolution. Delivered in partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Music In Africa Foundation (NEFCISA Programme), this year’s Live Music Lab reflects a shared commitment to nurturing local talent, creating employment pathways, and ensuring that South Africa’s live music ecosystem continues to thrive. This partnership is not symbolic — it is strategic, focused on long-term impact and national growth within the creative sector.
Live Music Lab 2026 is a fully funded, intensive 3-month programme, selecting only 10 exceptional Johannesburg-based youth. Classroom learning begins in March 2026, followed by immersive practical work that places participants directly inside some of the city’s most significant live music platforms. From producing the Rhythmic Clash series to working on Bassline Fest, the Africa Rising Music Conference, Fête de la Musique, and Bassline’s artist management operations, learners gain real-world experience that goes far beyond theory. This programme is action-driven. Participants are trained in key areas such as concert promotion, artist management, technical production, stage and backstage management, artist wellness, and the broader history and structure of South African live music. Guided by experienced professionals, learners not only gain industry insight but also build networks, confidence, and practical skills that make them employable in a competitive sector.
Live Music Lab 2026 is open to unemployed Johannesburg-based youth aged 18–25, with a Matric certificate and a passion for the creative industries. More than training, it offers access, exposure, and a real pathway into the music business. In an industry where opportunities are often limited by access, Live Music Lab 2026 stands as a bold intervention — developing skills, creating jobs, and ensuring that the future of live music is built by informed, prepared, and empowered creatives.