Image credit: Minenhle Memela
Musicians of South Africa! The fight against corruption needs your voice. Following the successful inaugural Ngeke! Festival in 2025, Fair Play is once again inviting South Africa’s most courageous young musicians to compose impactful music that critiques corruption, inequality, and injustice. The previous year, many gathered at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, celebrating music as a catalyst for change. The first Ngeke! Festival showcased popular artists like Zoë Modiga and BCUC, alongside rising Fair Play winners Onset Music Group and Xtreem Makhayeni. United with activists, young leaders, and audiences nationwide, they demonstrated that music can motivate action, foster conversation, and unite communities.
A Movement for the Youth, by the Youth.
Corruption detracts from opportunities, jobs, education, and healthcare. However, the youth of Mzansi are mobilizing through music. Fair Play SA is here to demonstrate that every verse, beat, and chorus can act as a vehicle for positive change. This is not merely a concert; it is a movement allowing young South Africans to channel frustration into passion and creativity into collective action. The festival will unite well-known musicians and emerging artists, highlighting that small actions can lead to significant change and that we can collectively overcome challenges. “Fair Play is all about amplifying the voices of young artists around the world, letting their stories be heard and giving them a platform to unite their people around a common message. The fight against corruption is global, but it must be fought locally. Every action counts. Note by note, song by song, we can all shape a better tomorrow, together.”
– Matt Clark
Programs & Marketing Director, JM International
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Fair Play is inviting South African artists aged 18–35 to submit original songs or music videos that address how corruption affects daily life and connects to issues like inequality, discrimination, failing systems, lost opportunities, and the misuse of power.
Across all music genres, artists are encouraged to reveal the truths of corruption, elevate community voices, challenge harmful perspectives, advocate for accountability, and envision solutions for a more equitable future.
Crucial elements include authenticity, creativity, and the ability to inspire South Africans to express a single word: “Nheke!” (“No more!”). This initiative transcends competition; it harnesses music as a tool for civic engagement and positive transformation.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
- A slot to perform at the Ngeke! Festival in South Africa.
- R10,000 for each selected act.
- The opportunity to support some of South Africa’s leading musicians.
- Worldwide exposure through Fair Play’s international network.
- Connections to artists and activists advocating against corruption globally.
- International training and mentorship from industry professionals.
Fair Play represents more than a competition; it embodies a movement. Join artists like Nasseman (Liberia), Cill Soul (Nigeria), Shanti Powa (Italy), Alesh (DR Congo), Haga Que Pase (Colombia), and Faith Mussa (Malawi) in crafting music that makes a statement.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Artists must be aged 18–35
- Submit an original song / music video focused on corruption and injustice.
- The deadline for submissions is 14 September 2025
- Applications can be made at: mubazar.com
For inquiries, reach out to us at info@anticorruptionmusic.org or call +27 71 382 4006.
For further details, visit www.anticorruptionmusic.org Deadline: 14 September 2026
