Open Call: Creative Mission Ghana & Nigeria 2027
Professionals & creatives | Accra and Lagos
20-29 March 2027
Dutch Music Export is organising a creative mission to Ghana and Nigeria in collaboration with Stichting Goliath in March 2027. The mission will take place from 20 to 29 March, with a creative programme in Accra followed by an industry programme and showcase in Lagos, in collaboration with HOMECOMING Festival.
The mission aims to strengthen creative and professional collaboration between the Dutch, Ghanaian and Nigerian music sectors. We invite artists, producers and music professionals to meet local partners, create music together and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration.
By exchanging knowledge, networks and artistic perspectives, we aim to create connections that continue beyond the trip.
Why Ghana and Nigeria?
The music scenes in Ghana and Nigeria are relevant to creatives and professionals working in Afrobeats, highlife, Afro-fusion, hip-hop, jazz, pop and related contemporary styles. The mission offers an opportunity to get to know these scenes first-hand and explore how collaboration could connect to your work and ambitions.
In Accra, the focus will be on creative exchange with Ghanaian music makers through a writing camp, workshops and networking activities. In Lagos, participants will connect with the Nigerian music industry through the wider HOMECOMING programme, including networking sessions, panels and a showcase.
We are looking for participants who are curious about local working practices, willing to share their own knowledge and experience, and ready to invest time in relationships that can grow beyond the mission.
Who can apply?
Creatives
This route is intended for artists, songwriters, producers and artist-producers who are based and professionally active in the Netherlands and want to collaborate with music makers from Ghana and Nigeria. Writing, producing and exchanging creative perspectives are central to the programme.
We are looking for creatives with a professional foundation, relevant examples of their work and a clear motivation for mutual collaboration. Tell us what you would like to explore, what you can contribute and how you could develop a collaboration after the mission. Existing connections with Ghana or Nigeria are an advantage, but not a requirement.
We aim to select approximately four creative participants, with a balanced mix of producers and performing artists. Creatives who combine both roles are particularly encouraged to apply.
The creative programme will include a writing camp in Accra followed by a programme in Lagos. Participating artists will have the opportunity to perform at a showcase as part of the official HOMECOMING programme.
Music Professionals
This route is intended for Dutch music professionals who want to contribute to the creative mission, the development of the participating artists and new international collaborations.
We welcome applications from professionals working in areas including management, publishing and rights management, labels and distribution, booking, promotion and live music, music marketing, branding and communications. Professionals working in visual identity, photography, video and content production, and other relevant areas of the music industry, are also welcome to apply with a clear motivation.
Please explain which knowledge, projects or contacts you bring, what you would like to explore and how your expertise could benefit the participating artists and local partners. Tell us how you intend to build on the contacts and collaborations after the mission.
The professional programme will combine workshops and networking activities in Accra with networking sessions, panels and knowledge exchange in Lagos.
What can you expect?
A programme is being developed, combining shared activities with dedicated elements for both participant groups. Planned elements include:
a writing camp in Accra, with collaborative songwriting and studio sessions for Dutch and Ghanaian artists and producers;
workshops and creative exchange with local music makers and professionals;
meetings with artists, music professionals, labels, publishers, collectives and other local partners;
networking sessions and knowledge exchange with the Nigerian music industry in Lagos;
a showcase featuring selected artists as part of the official HOMECOMING programme;
panels on international collaboration, artist development, music markets, and the opportunities and challenges of working internationally;
exploring concrete next steps to develop contacts and collaborations beyond the mission.
The programme is being further developed with local artists, organisations and music industry partners. Dates and programme activities may therefore still change.
What do we ask of participants?
We ask for a clear motivation, active participation and a willingness to develop collaborations after the mission. We are looking for participants who want to expand their networks and contribute to the exchange through their own work and expertise.
When selecting the delegation, Dutch Music Export and Stichting Goliath will consider the artistic or professional quality of your work, its relevance to Ghana and Nigeria, your motivation and your potential for collaboration. The composition of the delegation will also be considered: we aim for a balanced group spanning different genres, perspectives, knowledge and professional experience.
Availability for the full mission period for your participant group is required.
Participants are responsible for paying for their own international flights from the Netherlands to Ghana and from Nigeria to the Netherlands. Required vaccinations and meals outside the group programme are also at the participant’s own expense.
The organisers will cover visa costs, the flight from Accra to Lagos, accommodation during the mission, group meals during the programme and participation in the organised programme activities.
Participants are responsible for holding valid travel documents and any residence documents required for their trip and return to the Netherlands. Following selection, further information will be provided about travel, accommodation, preparation and other practical conditions.
Practical information
Open call opens: 10 November 2026
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Selection announcement: 8 January 2027
Planned mission dates: 20-29 March 2027
Travel and arrival day Accra — creatives: 20 March 2027
Travel and arrival day Accra — music professionals: 21 March 2027
Writing camp in Accra, Ghana: 20–24 March 2027
Showcase and programme in Lagos, Nigeria: 25–29 March 2027
Number of places for professionals and creatives: to be confirmed
How to apply
Apply using the application form on this page and choose the route that best matches your professional profile: Creatives or Music Professionals.
We ask for a short motivation, a biography and relevant examples of your work, such as music, releases, credits, projects or a portfolio. Tell us about your connection to Ghana and/or Nigeria, what you hope to gain from the mission and what you can contribute.
Please also describe the outcomes or collaborations you would like to develop, how you intend to build on them after the mission, and whether you are available for the full mission period for your participant group.
Applications are open until 31 December 2026, inclusive.
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