IRL Africa revised Grant Proposal

IRL Africa seeks to reshape the live music event experience. Our goal is to make live music more accessible across Africa, allowing artists to perform and communities to enjoy music while utilizing decentralized tools for ticketing, fan engagement, monetization and rewards. Using the rewards system to give people experiences rather than tokens.

This proposal outlines our mission, objectives, implementation plan, and the framework for our initial event and plans to scale across multiple cities in Africa.

Mission

To make live music events sustainable and accessible across Africa using blockchain-based tools and community-driven approaches to bring free concerts.

Vision

We aim to build an inclusive platform for African artists to showcase their talents, while communities across the continent enjoy live music through decentralized and sustainable means. By integrating web3 technology, we envision a global expansion where African music transcends borders.

Our pilot event at skug barn in Harare will serve as a platform to showcase how blockchain technology can be a vehicle for empowerment, bridging digital and physical worlds to foster inclusivity. Through a partnership with Unlock Protocol, we can highlight how decentralized systems create access, build connections, and elevate underrepresented voices globally.

Why This Matters Now In a world where access to resources and opportunities is often uneven, this event seeks to counteract inequities by providing a platform for diverse artists and audiences. By offering the initial 200 tickets for free and working with local organizations to ensure inclusivity, we demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology to drive meaningful social impact.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Unlock Protocol’s ethos of decentralization, accessibility, and empowerment, providing an opportunity to lead by example and inspire change in blockchain and creative ecosystems alike.

2. Why This Will Benefit Unlock Protocol

3. A Platform for Representation By collaborating with Unlock Protocol, this event embodies the ethos of diversity and inclusion, fostering trust and strengthening Unlock’s reputation as a driver of equity in the decentralized space.

4. Expanding Adoption The event introduces Unlock Protocol to new users, onboarding artists, collectors, and attendees who will engage directly with its ticketing and access tools. This practical demonstration of Unlock’s functionality in a real-world setting positions the protocol as a leader in blockchain accessibility.

5. Content and Visibility Unlock Protocol’s involvement will generate a wealth of promotional opportunities, including press coverage, social media features, and case studies. The event will serve as a proof point for the power of decentralized ticketing and blockchain's ability to create impactful experiences.

6. Community Engagement This event will foster a deep sense of community connection, underscoring Unlock’s commitment to enabling people-first solutions. Investing in art, culture, and equity creates a legacy that resonates long after the event concludes.

7. Risks Involved

8. Financial Risks Limited ticket revenue could pose financial strain. However, the inclusion of paid ticket tiers after the first 200 free tickets offsets this risk. Partnerships with local organizations also provide additional cost-sharing opportunities.

9. Representation and Accessibility Ensuring diverse participation requires targeted outreach and trusted partnerships. We will engage community leaders and grassroots organizations to guarantee balanced representation.

10. Logistics and Execution Unforeseen logistical challenges can arise during event planning. A robust project management strategy and contingency planning will mitigate these risks, ensuring smooth execution.

11. Security Concerns The safety of attendees and the integrity of blockchain ticketing are critical. Professional event security and secure digital systems will address these issues effectively.

12. Ticketing Strategy Inclusivity at the Forefront First 200 Tickets: Offered free to maximize accessibility and promote equity. Distribution will be managed through partnerships with local organizations to ensure representation across gender, socio-economic, and marginalized demographics. Subsequent Tickets: Affordably priced to maintain accessibility while generating revenue to support event costs. This dual strategy ensures the event remains inclusive while achieving financial sustainability.

13. Budget Overview (in ETH) The total budget for the event is 2 ETH, reflecting the costs associated with venue, artist participation, logistics, and promotion. We are requesting 0.5 ETH from Unlock Protocol to support this initiative.

Budget Breakdown Category Amount (ETH) Notes Venue & Setup 0.5 Artist Fees 0.6 Marketing & Outreach 0.3 Logistics & Operations 0.4 Security & Contingencies 0.2 Total 2 ETH Comprehensive cost breakdown for the event. We have other partners contributing USD and ETH.

Unlock Protocol’s contribution of 75 000 UP / 0.5 eth will directly support venue, marketing, and outreach efforts, ensuring the event’s success.

6. Emotional Appeal and Vision This event is more than a gathering; it is a movement. By creating a space where diverse voices are heard and celebrated, we set a new standard for inclusivity and empowerment.

Unlock Protocol has an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate the transformative potential of blockchain by supporting an initiative that transcends borders, demographics, and limitations. Your contribution is not just financial—it is an investment in a shared vision of equity, creativity, and progress.

Together, we can make this event a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing what’s possible when technology and humanity converge.

more detailed outline here

https://github.com/unlock-protocol/unlock/issues/14879