Midem has announced the finalists for its 2019 Artist Accelerator competition after a record number of submissions, including from 24 new countries.
The event, which is this year presented by label and distribution company Amuse, will see artists receiving access to professional mentoring and networking, including free legal consulting by the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers and data analytics from David Weiszfeld, founder & CEO of French company Soundcharts. Finalists will also receive profiling in Midem’s communications, features on the Official Midem 2019 Vinyl Compilation and the chance to perform on a beach stage on the French Riviera during the Midem By Night live series in Cannes.
Commenting on this year’s programme, Midem director, Alexandre Deniot, said:
“We’re so pleased to have seen such a boom in entries for 2019, particularly the diversity of genres and nations represented. With our commitment to working in developing regions through the High Potential Markets Programme, including the African and Latin American Forums, we’re especially excited to welcome submissions from countries in those areas, such as Kenya, South Africa, Puerto Rico and Colombia. I wish all the finalists the best of luck and look forward to seeing them perform in Cannes this June.”
Diego Farias, Amuse co-founder and CEO, added:
“The Midem Artist Accelerator serves to boost the careers of emerging talent around the globe, while also supporting their managers, agents, labels, and publishers. We’re thrilled to partner with this programme as we share the same goals. Amuse creates tools for every independent artist, giving them and their teams access to innovative services and data that empower the artist to reach their full potential.”
Finalists in the 2019 Midem Artist Accelerator Program
Acido Pantera – EDM (Colombia)
Alexander Oscar – pop (Denmark)
Anya – pop (Denmark)
Blanche – pop (Belgium)
Bo Ningen (pictured) – rock/alternative (Japan/UK)
Dalex – R&B/hip-hop/urban (Puerto Rico)
Kyan – R&B/hip-hop/urban (UK)
Moonchild Sanelly – pop (South Africa)
Mullally – pop (UK)
Sauti Sol – world (Kenya)
Rasha Nahas – rock/alternative (Palestinian Territories)
Finalists were selected by Midem’s Artistic Committee, a panel of global industry players including Jessica Chang, Asia Pacific regional creative manager/writer services, Warner/Chappell Music; Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia/EMI Music South Asia/Enchanted Valley Carnival; Christian Bernhardt, agent at United Talent Agency; Elodie Bensoussan, director of international development, Sony Music Entertainment; Nadia Khan, CEO of CTRL Management and founder of Women in CTRL; and Rob Hallett, founder, Robomagic.
Midem 2019 will be held in Cannes, France, June 4-7.