Mzi Kaka, Corporate Liaison at the Academy of Sound Engineering
The entertainment industry is booming in Africa. In fact, South Africa is one of the largest markets in the sub-Saharan music industry, contributing almost 80% of revenues. The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has listed sound engineering as an in-demand skill, as an example reflecting the need for, and importance of, skilled people in the entertainment space.
But what career opportunities exist in the entertainment industry? Here are my top 6 that prospective students should consider:
Music Producer: With the fastest-growing recording industry in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa is the new stamping ground for world-class music producers. As the ‘quality controller’ for sound recordings, music producers bring out the best in artists (who are often themselves). They are also responsible for capturing the performances, processing the tracks, mixing and ultimately mastering the final release. Producers often branch out into music for film and television and other work ‘behind the scenes’, but they are, first and foremost, the people who produce what we hear on the streaming sites. With the exponential growth of the industry that we are currently witnessing, good producers are more in demand than ever.
Radio broadcasting engineer: Contrary to popular belief, radio is far from outdated. In South Africa, Radio remains a critical instrument for promoting artists and disseminating music. Radio broadcasting engineers are therefore crucial for maintaining and managing the technology behind broadcasts, yet there is a significant shortage of talent. At the Academy, we train individuals to meet this demand, and our courses ensure that students can enter the industry either full-time or as freelancers, giving them flexibility as they build their careers.
Live sound engineer: The live events sector is thriving in the years post the Pandemic. Its 27% year-on-year growth rate is projected to continue until 2030. However, there is a capacity challenge. Companies both locally and across the continent are looking for skilled professionals to meet the rising demands of live events. The Academy integrates students directly into work opportunities, equipping them to thrive in this field, whether they pursue full-time roles or freelance gigs.
Studio engineer: This field, particularly in music production, offers fantastic opportunities. With the global focus shifting toward Africa, there is increased international interest in the continent’s entertainment offerings. This has created an environment where our students, armed with internationally accredited qualifications, are working in top music industries around the globe—from Singapore to the United States and Europe. One of our graduates, Ebenezer Maxwell recently won a Grammy as a Recording Engineer for Tyla’s song “Water” proving that South African talent can compete on the world stage.
Audio-post engineer: Audio-post engineers are responsible for creating and mixing sound for the screen. Many international studios are subcontracting this work to local engineers. The Academy’s curriculum gives its students the technical expertise to meet the demands of this role. South Africans are coming in at a high skill base and very competitive rates when compared with other markets.
Entertainment business professional: At the Academy, we create a curriculum around three pillars – talent; technical expertise; and business knowledge. Our students learn about the commercial value of the content they create as well as how to protect their intellectual property. They get exposure to the legal aspects of the industry which includes music licensing and contract negotiations. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for major record labels or have started their own music companies.
Deciding what is the best option for you can be a very overwhelming process. My advice would be to first attend open days and speak to the lectures and current or past Alumni students, to get first-hand experience and insight on being a professional in the entertainment industry.
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Author: T M from ByDesign Communications on behalf of Academy of Sound Engineering.
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