Publishing
Our dream? Africa for the world
Àkójọpọ̀ empowers the world to authentically immerse themselves in the rich beauty of Pan-African art music
Be a part of this extraordinary community and movement. Donate now to help us expand our collections.
Digital Sheet Music
PDF sheet music from composers across Africa and the diaspora
The one-stop destination for sheet music by composers of Pan-African art music. Whether you work with large ensembles or as a soloist, we have something for every artist, ensemble or style. Browse by genre, instrumentation, location or level of training.
Interpretative Resources
Resources for authentic performance and interpretation
We provide more than just sheet music: our digital sales include program notes, audio recordings, instructions and contextual information from composers, as
well as pronunciation guides. We offer a direct line of contact to our composers so anyone can reach out to schedule coachings or ask questions.
Lessons & Workshops
Private lessons and group workshops in both virtual and in-person format
Strengthen your interpretative, technical and creative skills by training with specialists from Africa and the diaspora. With Àkójọpọ̀ you can study African languages, indigenous instruments, African pianism, composition, conducting Or set up a coaching to perfect
your authentic interpretation of Pan-African music and even more. We also offer workshops and masterclasses for choirs, orchestras and universities to interact with African composers, conductors and musicologists.
Community Directories
Need to find a musician or composer? Want to reach out to organizations and institutions?
Our Artist Directory connects you with musicians and composers from around the world and our Organizations Directory lists institutions, ensembles and organizations dedicated to Pan-African Music.
Whether you want to hire musicians, commission a new piece, collaborate or simply get in touch - we can help you get connected
We’re actively expanding our directory database. Please fill out our form to be listed today and share our directory with your community!
Àkójọpọ̀ Blog
A community of deep thinkers and revolutionaries
Our Pan-African Art Music blog offers unparalleled access to information about art music traditions, history, current practices and news across Africa and the diaspora. Our goal is
to create a free and public space for the kinds of discourse that has only be found in academic journals, Facebook forums and informal discussions.
Our blog publishes articles from scholars and community members about Pan-African art music, whether documenting historical traditions, inspiring innovative solutions, encouraging career development, or bringing awareness about current news.
What is Pan-African art music?
Pan-African art music integrates two main aspects: Pan-Africanism and art music.
Pan-Africanism is a cultural movement that unifies African and diaspora communities around the world, transcending geographical boundaries.
Pan-African art music is broadly defined as art music that is distinctly “African” and sounds African. It is an inclusive term and concept which references art music compositions that draw on African/Afrocentric musical resources, processes, approaches and elements including rhythms, language, melodies, harmonic ideas, compositional structures and instruments.
Professor Kofi Agawu defines art music as “music self-consciously composed by individuals, often notated, usually rehearsed, and performed by skilled practitioners for non-participating or minimally participating audience.”
Why YOU should perform Pan-African art music
We believe that anyone in the world can study and perform Pan-African art music, which has the power to expand musical, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual and intellectual horizons.
Pan-African art music is not just a cultural celebration and exploration, but a journey that explores new ways of thinking and approaching music. By weaving together traditions from thousands of cultures across Africa and the diaspora, there are endless possibilities for growth and learning. Musicians of all backgrounds and stages have so much to gain from the unique musical languages, expressive tools, pedagogical techniques, and approaches to performance and interpretation that comes with Pan-African art music performance.
Changing the global narrative
The fields of art music and classical music are predominantly viewed as European, diminishing other global traditions who participate and contribute to these genres. We strive to showcase Afrocentric compositions within the art music and classical music landscape, as an effort to shed light on a true original African musical tradition. We also support composers and musicians who perform a fusion with styles that are traditionally seen as more European.
Our Editorial Process
We publish and showcase high-quality, authentic works in a globally accessible format. Our current collection has emerged from our past commissioning and performance projects which have been reviewed by our Editorial Board of Pan-African music specialists.
Our review process is fully blind and our commissioning projects do not place any limitations on age, geographic location or any other demographics. Our editorial board pays special attention to providing personalized feedback to all composers, so that we can uplift and empower them to be the best that they can be.
The Àkójọpọ̀ Community
To build this platform, it took a village. To grow our platform and transform the world, we need YOU.
Join our vibrant community of donors, subscribers, sponsors, volunteers, artists, writers, advisors and innovators
