The Glasgow Barons are leading a major new project to uncover and champion Scotland’s next generation of African music talent, with the artists set to take centre stage at Govan Music Festival next year.
The Glasgow orchestra, working with the organisers of Govan Music Festival, has launched Afrosymphony – an ambitious artist development programme bringing together Afrobeat, orchestral music and electronic production.
The Scotland-wide search is open to emerging African singers and singers of African descent who are Scottish residents. Three successful artists will be given the opportunity to work in the studio with acclaimed Glasgow-born DJ and producer Auntie Flo, before having their music transformed for live orchestra by the Glasgow Barons.
Award-winning Scots producer Auntie Flo
The project will culminate at Saint Luke’s in Glasgow on Sunday 14 March 2027, when Afrosymphony will officially open Govan Music Festival.
The three artists will perform their newly orchestrated work, before Auntie Flo headlines the event with the Glasgow Barons orchestra.
Auntie Flo, whose career has taken him from Glasgow’s Sub Club to Glastonbury and international stages, said the project was a “perfect fit”, reflecting his Scottish-Kenyan-Goan heritage and longstanding passion for African-influenced music.
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 - Paul MacAlinden
Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director of the Glasgow Barons and Govan Music Festival, said Afrosymphony was designed to give emerging artists “a purposeful step forward” through paid live experience, professional development and time working alongside an internationally established producer.
“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.
“This is a very special opportunity and we feel Auntie Flo is the perfect artist to share his passion and experience with the lucky finalists.”
The project has been supported by the Scottish Government’s Expanded Festivals Fund through Creative Scotland and is planned to return as part of Govan Music Festival in 2028.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland said: “This unique opportunity to spotlight our emerging African artists under the experienced eye of Auntie Flo is a timely recognition of the untapped talent that is threaded through Scotland’s brilliantly diverse music scene.”
Applications are open until 21 September 2026, with artists required to submit one audio track or video of their work. Shortlisted musicians will take part in live semi-finals in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen before three finalists are selected.
- Applications can be made through the Glasgow Barons website. Apply now at www.glasgowbarons.com/afrosymphony
