DAVE AND Afro B have been awarded grants by the government to grow their music careers overseas.
The rapper and afrobeats artist are two of a number of upcoming musicians to receive the grant in the latest round of the Music Export Growth Scheme (Megs).
Funded by the Department for International Trade and run by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the music’s industry’s trade association, the Megs is designed to boost British music exports.
This year’s round of funding has seen £250,000 allocated to support the career growth of 20 British artists.
The money will help small and medium sized independent music companies elevate the profiles of the selected musicians around the world, with particular focus on key and growing markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and China, as well as the rest of Europe.
A Department for International Trade spokesperson said: "The music industry contributes hugely to our economy.
"The Music Export Growth Scheme celebrates the best of British music and helps UK acts to launch their careers abroad.
"We look forward to continuing to help unlock the global potential of up-and-coming artists with the next round of funding."
BPI’s Chris Tams, who is overseeing the MEGS programme, said: “It is amazing to see the Music Export Growth Scheme going from strength to strength and flying the flag for British music overseas. This funding is even more important today with uncertainty around Brexit. MEGS now sees a return of around £12 for every £1 invested, highlighting the importance of UK music to our exports and the wider economy.”
To date the Megs has supported 242 recipients with £3.8 million.
Applications for the next round of Megs funding are open now and close on September 2. Grants range from £5,000 to £50,000.
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