FAQ
What is the Pepsi Music Academy Naija (PMA)?
PMA is a platform designed to train and showcase talents in the music industry that eliminates barriers, exposing them to bigger platforms and career advancement opportunities from top industry experts in a learning & co-creation environment facilitated by a branded equity.
When does the entry close?
Entry submission begins at 12:00 pm (GMT+1) on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 and ends at 00:00 am (GMT+1) on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023.
What is the song duration?
No longer than 2 minutes 50 seconds (2:50 mins). It must be a link to the .mp3 file hosted on Soundcloud and must be Afrobeats, to be eligible.
How do I apply?
Complete the required fields in the online application form . See the application form and Official Rules for more information.
How many winners will be selected?
Three (3). They will emerge from a Live draw after the intensive 10-day summit by Pepsi Music Academy Naija.
What is the judging criteria?
In Phase 1, applications will be reviewed for eligibility. Once deemed eligible, it will be judged on the following basis:
(i) vocal performance (40%),
(ii) lyrical content of Song (25%),
(iii) Song composition (arrangement and melody) (25%),
(iv) duration of the song (10%).
In Phase 2, a live draw will be held to pick three (3) academy entrants that would emerge winners.
Who are the judges?
The panel of judges includes respected music veterans and aficionados.
When and where is the academy summit?
The PMA Summit begins once the Academy Curriculum and all aspects of the summit have been completed( the “Academy Period”). The location will be communicated to the 30 shortlisted entrants. They will handle their Travel to the location of the summit while the Sponsor will be responsible for the accommodation, feeding and transportation of the 30 selected participants' during the duration of the summit.
How do I know I qualify for the Pepsi Music Academy Summit?
You will be sent a personal invitation to attend the Pepsi Music Academy Naija Summit if you get shortlisted as one of the 30 participants after you have submitted your original song.
Will I have to pay to go to the academy?
No. Participants are not required to pay or make any purchase to enter or qualify for the academy.
What will happen after the academy?
All 30 participants will receive a certificate of participation and completion. The 3 selected winners will work with Masterkraft, Sarz, P.Priime, and Blaisebeatz and their production team to create a long play (LP) album.
Who is eligible to apply?
See Official Rules for full eligibility requirements.
How is EMPIRE Involved in the PMA?
EMPIRE are official partners of the PMA, and as such, 3 winners selected would be offered;
- a 2-year music recording, producing, publishing and distribution deal.
- Recording: Studio Time, Engineering, Mixing and Mastering (final winners will be sent to EMPIRE HQ in San Francisco to record at EMPIRE Recording Studios; or in the event of visa constraints, to any other convenient EMPIRE facility outside of Nigeria).
- Winners will have the opportunity to work with the EMPIRE A&R team during the songwriting and recording phase.