Afrosymphony Search Launched across Scotland | Zoe Sievwright
Afrosymphony Promotional Poster
If you are a musician based in Scotland making moves, there is a massive new opportunity on the horizon that you need on your radar. A brand-new project called Afrosymphony has officially launched, setting out on a nationwide search to find, champion, and elevate the next generation of African music talent.
Masterminded by The Glasgow Barons, Glasgow’s brilliant regeneration orchestra, alongside the team behind the Govan Music Festival, this initiative brings together the worlds of Afrobeats, electronic production, and full-scale orchestral music. The whole idea is about opening real doors for emerging singers of African origin or descent living in Scotland, giving them a serious platform to take the next big step in their careers.
At the centre of it all is a dream team-up. Three artists will be selected to head into the studio with Glasgow-born producer and DJ Brian d’Souza, famously known as Auntie Flo. Having scooped a Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award for his incredible fusion of global and electronic sounds, Auntie Flo has played everywhere from Glasgow’s legendary Sub Club to Glastonbury.
DJ Brian d’Souza (Auntie Flo)
Speaking about getting involved, he shared: “It’s an honour to be part of the Afrosymphony project: as a Glasgow-born Scot with a Kenyan-Goan mother, and with my long history of championing music of African influence in Scotland and beyond, it feels like a perfect fit. This project brings together two of my passions – my love of African music and my joy at working with younger generations.”
Once the studio tracks are down, The Glasgow Barons will take the music and reimagine it for a live orchestra. It all builds up to what promises to be an absolute powerhouse of a gig at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow on Sunday 14th March 2027, officially kicking off the Govan Music Festival. The chosen trio will perform their orchestrated tracks live on stage, topped off with a headline set from Auntie Flo backed by the orchestra.
Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director of The Glasgow Barons
Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director of The Glasgow Barons, put it brilliantly: “There is so much exciting, diverse talent in Scotland and Afrosymphony aims to give Afro artists a platform to take a purposeful step forward in their careers. The project is about opening doors, giving musicians paid live experience and time in a room with someone who knows what’s involved in building an international career.”
Supported by Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund, this project is running all the way through to 2028.
The Glasgow Barons
If you are a singer of African origin or descent currently living in Scotland, you have until 21st September 2026 to apply by submitting a single audio track or video of your work. After a shortlist is voted on, live semi-finals will take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, before Auntie Flo interviews the finalists to select the ultimate three. You can put yourself forward right now over at glasgowbarons.com/afrosymphony. It is an incredible chance for local talent.
