X-HUB - Incubator for Cultural and Creative Businesses has an artistic incubation program that started this Monday. It is aimed at 20 artists, which is equivalent to five national bands.

According to a note from X-HUB, the program benefits breeders in Inhambane, Nampula and Niassa.

The X-HUB initiative aims to boost the local creative economy by providing artists with a space to develop and hone their skills.

The program, according to the press release, will include an artistic residency and specialized training courses for the five musical groups selected through a rigorous examination conducted by a jury of experts.

The jury is made up of members appointed by the National Institute for Cultural and Creative Industries - INICC, the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center - CCFM, Spanish Cooperation - AGAPE and renowned Mozambican musicians, the statement said.

The bands selected for the first edition of the artistic incubation program are: Marove, Groove Land and Marimbas, all from Nampula, Os Kassimbos, from Niassa, and Timbila Groove, from Inhambane.

The artistic incubation is an initiative of Khuzula, with funding from the Création Africa - Mozambique fund of the French Embassy in Mozambique, in collaboration with the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center (CCFM), and is implemented by X-HUB.

The central concept of the artistic incubation project is focused on creating a creative residency program that offers Mozambican bands the opportunity to train in various disciplines related to the music industry, such as: musical and technical production, career and copyright management, marketing and promotion.

The program will also include mentoring sessions and guided tours of the country's main cultural venues, which host major art festivals such as the Azgo Festival.

The training aims to provide access to specific educational resources and training that can boost the growth and projection of national bands in the music market, both nationally and internationally.

The second phase of the project includes a 30-day artistic residency in the city of Maputo, which will include a series of technical and artistic training courses.