FairPlay Songwriting Camp: where women in music strike a chord
In a bid to amplify women's voices in the music industry, Warner Music Africa has announced the launch of its FairPlay Songwriting Camp.
The event is dedicated to empowering women across the musical spectrum and is set to take place from March 5 to 9, in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Bringing together an impressive roster of female artists, producers and songwriters from South Africa, including Makhadzi, Moonchild Sanelly, Mawhoo, Shekhinah and Lulu from the UK, the camp is set to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in a rapidly evolving industry.
Other female artists who will be participating include Kenyan-born singer Xenia Manasseh, American-Ghanaian singer Amaarae and Cameroon singer Libianca among others.
The music industry, while thriving, continues to show a stark gender disparity, notably in songwriting, production and leadership roles.
According to a statement by Warner Music Africa: “FairPlay responds to this challenge by creating a safe, inspiring and inclusive space where women can thrive.
“This initiative is more than a songwriting camp; it is a movement that seeks to empower women to realise their potential, celebrate their unique voices and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s vibrant music landscape.”
The programme will include songwriting and recording sessions, workshops led by industry experts and round-table discussions addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in music.
Participants will also benefit from wellness activities aimed at supporting their mental and physical well-being.
“Beyond the creative and educational aspects, the event places a strong emphasis on mental and physical well-being, offering wellness and fitness activities to support participants in their personal and professional journeys,” shared the statement.
One of the key objectives of FairPlay is to also facilitate cross-label collaborations, fostering synergistic relationships among participants.
The initiative aims to produce original music that will culminate in a FairPlay EP set for release in August.
This release will shine a spotlight on the talent of African women, enhancing their visibility on the international stage and positioning the continent as a driving force in the global music scene.
The camp also serves as a platform for networking, providing participants with opportunity to connect with talent scouts, producers and cultural influencers.
Additionally, a docu-series will be screened, encapsulating the essence of FairPlay and showcasing the transformative experiences of the participants.
Eric Gyimah, promotions specialist at Warner Music said: “FairPlay is about more than music; it’s about building bridges, creating opportunities and inspiring women to realise their potential.
“By collaborating, we’re not only shaping careers but also reshaping the future of African music.”
He further highlighted the diversity of participants, noting that the camp will gather established female recording artists from nations such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana and the UK.
“This diverse group reflects the initiative’s commitment to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Africa while fostering connections across borders.
“The camp’s emphasis on collaboration and mentorship ensures that both emerging and established talents have the opportunity to learn from one another, creating a ripple effect that will extend far beyond the event itself.”
Intended primarily for women in the music industry, from artists and songwriters to producers, the camp also aims to engage secondary audiences including industry stakeholders, media professionals and cultural influencers who can amplify its impact.
Gyimah shared: “By confronting the challenges faced by women in the industry and providing robust platforms for collaboration and growth, it represents a bold step forward for African music.
“Through diversity, inclusion and empowerment, FairPlay is set to create a lasting impact on the industry and the lives of those it touches.”