AMA GROOVE

Songwriting Camp

Join us in a cross-cultural exchange where your creativity knows no bounds

South Africa

Songwriting Journey

Step into an unforgettable songwriting experience in South Africa! One Groove, in collaboration with the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, AUTOR, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Koda Kultur, Ministry of Culture and NIROX, invites you to co-create what could be the next global music breakthrough. Refine your craft, collaborate with like-minded artists, and build lasting connections that will shape your creative and professional journey.

Alongside thirteen other talented music creators—producers, songwriters, top-liners, and vocalists—you’ll bring your unique expertise, artistic interpretation, and talent into a dynamic mix of individuals with shared and distinct artistic qualities. Split evenly between South African and Danish residents, AmaGroove breaks down barriers, fosters understanding, and celebrates the universal language of music, creating a space where innovation thrives.

If you reside in South Africa, start your application here:

If you reside in Denmark, join our waitlist to be the first to know when KODA opens applications:

Be the first to know when we open for applications

Bridging Divides

For a More Inclusive Musical Ecosystem

Building on the success of our inaugural 2024 camp, AmaGroove 2025 continues our mission to use music as a unifying force and a platform for meaningful change. This camp will unite talented artists and partners, all dedicated to crafting music that resonates across diverse audiences. Expect collaborative writing sessions, intensive masterclasses, and panel discussions, all culminating in a final listening session where you’ll present your work to industry professionals—offering invaluable feedback and opportunities for future collaborations.

Fostering Creativity

Through Cultural & Mental Health Awareness

At the heart of AmaGroove Songwriting Camps lies the celebration of cultural diversity and mutual respect. This year, we’ll continue placing a strong emphasis on fostering cultural understanding and mental health awareness within the global music landscape

Tools

As an artist, you will dive deep into your own cultural identity while also learning how to respectfully draw inspiration from other traditions. You’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of the music industry, while also opening doors to unexplored creative and professional opportunities.

Growth

A space to grow in unconventional ways. It offers an open, encouraging environment where collaboration fuels both your personal and artistic development. Our human-centered approach to music creation empowers you to push creative boundaries, explore new genres, and contribute to shaping the future of music.

Community

Community lies at the core of AmaGroove. Artists, mentors, and industry professionals will come together to transcend boundaries, create magic, and form a lasting network. Together, we’ll build meaningful experiences and connections that will continue to inspire long after the last song is produced.

What to expect

The Lowdown

26th April - 3rd May 2025

Artists from Denmark will depart from CPH Airport on April 25th.

Like-minded Artists

You’ll be joining a group of 14 carefully selected music creators—producers, songwriters, top-liners, and vocalists—split evenly between South African and Danish residents. Artists will be chosen not only for their talent but also for their passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit. The curator team will ensure inclusion and representation throughout the selection process, resulting in a diverse mix of backgrounds and musical genres, fostering a vibrant and creative community.

A Safe Space for Artistic Expression

We are committed to building an interconnected community rooted in collective power and mutual access, where every voice matters. With zero tolerance for discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or socio-economic background, this space allows you to explore, experiment, and collaborate in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere. By bypassing traditional gatekeepers, we enable connections across cultures, borders, and genres.

Kromdraai Impact and Co-creativity Hub

Set within the breathtaking landscape of the Cradle of Humankind, the Nirox Foundation offers a generative space where artists come together to create and share. The hub is a peaceful sanctuary, offering a glimpse into nature’s wild heart. Working in temporary, rustic studios, this unique setting connects you to nature, replacing high-tech soundproof spaces with a more organic, inspiring environment that fuels creativity.

The program

This intensive 7-day experience offers opportunities to collaborate, learn, and gain exposure while delving deep into the heart of songwriting and music production. In addition to ample collaborative writing sessions, the program features a dynamic blend of activities, including attending CottonFest Joburg, masterclasses, and panel discussions. The week culminates in a final listening session with industry professionals, providing invaluable feedback and insights. The program not only supports co-creation but also offers a rare chance to connect with key players in the music industry, opening doors for future collaborations and exposure.

Local Community

The involvement of young people from local communities is an integral part of AmaGroove Songwriting Camps. In collaboration with the Ubuntu Queens [Ubuntu: “I am because we are”], you'll engage with a group of teenage girls from Ptn 26, an informal settlement. Together, in a tailored workshop, we aim to build trust and foster a dynamic, inclusive space where everyone can express themselves creatively and develop their musical skills. This collaboration strengthens community ties and enriches the creative environment of the camp.

Additional Experiences

In partnership with CottonFest, we kick off the AmaGroove experience on April 26th at CottonFest Joburg. While rooted in the local community, CottonFest has grown into a global movement celebrating diversity, creativity, and the unshakable spirit of youth. Originally envisioned by the late Riky Rick, CottonFest leads a new wave in local and global youth culture, blending traditional roots with innovative possibilities. CottonFest serves as the perfect launchpad for creativity and connection, bridging local roots and global movements.

open call

SOON

Thank you for your interest, the application process is now closed.

Sign up now to be the first to enter the next open call.

The application process is now closed for DK residences; thank you for your interest.

After submitting your application, expect a confirmation email with additional practical details coming your way!

A curator panel appointed by Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, AUTOR, and NIROX will review your application.

The final participants will be announced start of February 2024.

Be the first to know when we open for applications

EXPLORE

Harnessing music’s inherent interconnectedness and co-creating pathways to equalize the Music industry and reshape the World.

SERVICE

Made by Velua Frost

Harnessing music’s inherent interconnectedness and co-creating pathways to equalize the Music industry and reshape the World.

Made by Velua Frost