Who We Are

Girl Effect is an international non-profit that builds media that girls want, trust and need.

We use media brands and technology to reach girls at scale so every girl can choose to be in control of her body, her health, her learning and her livelihood. Because when a girl unlocks her power to make different choices, it inspires others to do so too. She starts a ripple effect that impacts her family, her community, her country.

In Tanzania, Girl Effect launched Tujibebe back in 2018. Tujibebe is a youth brand designed to unite girls through shared experiences; inspiring, supporting and guiding them to make positive choices about their futures, together. Tujibebe is born out of the insight that young people are aware that they have potential, but don’t have the knowledge, confidence or support to make the most of what they have.

The brand aims to create change from within individuals and networks, propelling young people, especially girls, to rise through their challenges together. Tujibebe’s vision is a world where all girls can make the most of opportunities.

Context of Assignment

Tujibebe launched its flagship radio drama last year, targeting 13-15 year old girls. The drama equips girls with the information and tools to speak to each other about curiosities and concerns relating to their sexual and reproductive health and support them to access health services where appropriate.

Creating an entertaining drama that gets people talking is crucial to the continued success of Tujibebe, and music plays a huge part in helping our drama stand out.

We’re looking for a producer or music production company to create 4 original music tracks for use in the audio drama and across other Tujibebe products (including our radio talk show, IVR line and social media platforms). You’ll have a first-rate track record of creating music that really resonates with young people in Tanzania, and a passion for music.

Expected commitment:

Attendance at the briefing session on Tuesday, April 27th

Submission of demo, proposal and budget

2-4 weeks of production for 4 original tracks (if selected)

Timeframe:

Briefing session with Tujibebe brand team w/c 27th April

Proposals/demos/budgets submitted by mid-May

Final tracks delivered by early June

Key deliverables

4 original tracks (90s each)

4 acapella versions

Instrumental 30s clips of each original song

Creative Guidance and References 

Music: 

The music should feel youthful and contemporary but also rooted in Tanzanian culture. The drama is focused on a netball team and parts of the songs will be sung by the team as a warm-up/ energiser at practice sessions and ahead of matches. We are interested in seeing how the use of natural sound (e.g. clapping, beating of feet, the sound of a ball hitting the netball ring) can be incorporated into the beats of the music. See the inspiration section for more. 

We know that Bongo Flava is very popular among young people in Tanzania. Our research also tells us that young people enjoy music that they can dance to, which is upbeat, empowering and exciting. The opening of the song is key to hooking people in. 

Artist:

The song should be delivered by a female artist(s) who will inspire girls, but we would also like to include male voices in the track. The singer(s) do not need to be well-known. We’d be interested in exploring new talent.

Lyrics:

The lyrics of the songs should inspire young people – building on the key themes of friendship, supportive/non-judgmental behaviour, and unity. They should feel youthful, but also inclusive. 

Our audience has told us that the lyrics of a song are very important. They like to learn something, feel inspired and reflect on the messages they hear.

We’ll give additional guidance on messaging and tone during the briefing session.

References:

Examples of incorporating natural sound into music: 

Stomp and basketball team – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YhQwsw03yk

Household objects cover version – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svg_fIoHij8

Examples of a cappella/ beatbox style: 

Male group on The Voice TZ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEeBuhME9lA

Street performers singing Stand by Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDBgOyEN2OU

Using objects/ harmony to create a full song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti8ZyNucq10

Integrating music that makes you want to get up and dance: 

Tai Tanzania – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1JA0IaexpI 

Abby Chams – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nane6bZZ8eI 

Diamond Platnumz – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4b7-kxR4xE 

Acoustic (especially on the emotional song) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Sopih2MAU 

Catchy Chorus 

A unique aspect of bongo flava is chorus’ that are very catchy and very easy to remember. Would be fun to bring this element to our music as well.

Proposal submission

Qualified individuals are invited to join the briefing session, then submit a proposal that includes the following:

1. Qualification and experience of firm/individual
2. Approach for undertaking this Assignment underpinned by a demonstration of value for money
3. Previous experience in similar assignment(s) / music productions (Samples of previous works and demos are highly encouraged).
4. A rough demo reflecting the takeaways from the briefing session
5. A financial budget (TSH) and work plan. N.B. The technical and financial proposals will need to be submitted as separate documents

Reporting

The consultant will report to Tujibebe’s Brand and Content Lead

Evaluation Criteria

The criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are listed below:

• Demo Tape
• Samples of recent similar assignments: online portfolios and links to songs;
• Professional references or letter of recommendation;
• Geographical experience working in Tanzania
• Proof of production equipment and access to a wide pool of singers
• Reputation and expertise of the producer
• Experience working with development agencies or brand aligned to Girl effect

GE is not liable for any cost incurred during preparation, submission, or negotiation of the award/contract. All submitted documentation and/or materials shall become and remain the property of GE.

Tax

Applicants are advised to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their tax position with regards to provisions of the Tanzania jurisdiction tax legislation when developing their proposals.

Disclaimer

GE reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party. GE shall inform ONLY successful applicant(s). The process of negotiation and signing of the contract with the successful applicant(s) will follow.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights 

In consideration of the fees paid, the production house expressly assigns to GE any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. The consultant may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from the GE.