Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Statement

There is a gap between the creative arts and the blockchain technology. The power of music and dance has not been explored on the blockchain ecosystem, through challenges and rewards in a global perspective.

Proposal

We propose a creative music and dance challenge, that will engage new audiences and fostering talent discovery, to promote Cardano blockchain globally. The key activities will include music production, challenge launch, talent evaluation, prize distribution, global outreach, community engagement and Cardano integration.

Why do it this way?

This way will onboard art creatives since it is open to everyone fostering inclusivity. Music and dance are called universal language making it is to reach the global audience. The challenge encourages active participation and Cardano engagement, while showcasing their skill, gaining recognition and educational value.

Target Audience

The project will be for creatives individuals such as musicians, dancers and content creators, blockchain enthusiasts and general public who enjoy music, dance and online content.

Evidence of Impact

Increased Cardano Awareness

The measurement of the website traffic increase, social media engagement, and downloads of Cardano wallets.

Talent Discovery

The evidence of the success stories of participants who gained recognition or opportunities through the project will be available on the platform and shared with Cardano Community.

Community Growth

Tracking the number of participants, online discussions, and community interactions to serve as a prove that the community is growing.

Positive Media Coverage

With each media mention of the project, Cardano gains exposure.

Summary

The implementing this project, will effectively promote Cardano to a global audience, foster talent discovery, and contribute to the growth of the blockchain ecosystem.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

This project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community

Increasees Cardano's Visibility

This introduces Cardano to a global audience, especially those within the creative industries, who may not have been exposed to the platform previously. This increases Cardano’s visibility and contributes to the brand recognition and adoption.

Demonstrate Real-World Use Cases

It will help to dispel misconceptions and demonstrate the platform's value in real-world scenarios, encouraging more developers and businesses to build on the Cardano network.

Build a Strong Community

This will foster a sense of community among participants, who will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and share their experiences. This will contribute to the overall health and vitality of the Cardano community.

Attracte Talent to the Ecosystem

The project may attract talented individuals from the creative industries to join the ecosystem as developers, entrepreneurs, or investors. This will help to drive innovation and growth on the Cardano network.

Strengthen Cardano's Reputation

The success and inclusive nature of the project, will help to strengthen Cardano's reputation as a blockchain platformm. This will benefit the entire Cardano ecosystem, including developers, investors, and businesses.

Impact Measurement:

The project impact will be measured using both quantitative and qualitative metrics

Quantitative Metrics

• Artist Success

This will be done by track the number of artists who achieve commercial success, gain industry recognition, or sign record deals.

• Audience Engagement

Through the measurement of the reach and engagement of artists' music on social media platforms and streaming services.

• Economic Impact

Assess the economic benefits generated by the project, such as job creation and revenue generated by artists.

Qualitative Measures

• Artist Satisfaction

We will conduct surveys and interviews to assess the satisfaction and career development of participating artists.

• Industry Feedback

We will gather feedback from industry professionals on the project's impact on the South African music scene.

• Community Engagement

Measure the level of community involvement and support for the project.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Case Studies

We will share success stories of artists who have benefited from the project, highlighting the positive impact of our platform.

• Community Updates

Regular updates on project progress, achievements, and opportunities will be shared through Cardano's community channels like Telegram, discord and X.

• Partnerships

We will collaborate with other Cardano projects and organizations to explore potential synergies and cross-promotions.

• Open-Source Contributions

Open-source components of the platform will be used to contribute to the broader Cardano ecosystem.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

1 Proven Track Record of Creative and Blockchain Projects

Our team has a history of successfully executing large-scale creative projects and blockchain-based initiatives. We have previously managed music production, talent discovery, and community engagement campaigns, which gives us the operational expertise to deliver this project efficiently. Additionally, we have experience working with blockchain technology, including smart contracts, NFT creation, and decentralized platforms, ensuring that all technical aspects of the project are handled professionally.

2. Expert Team Members

Our project team consists of professionals with extensive experience in music production, digital marketing, blockchain technology, and talent management. Each team member brings specialized knowledge to the project, ensuring that every component—from music production to community engagement and technical blockchain implementation—is executed at a high level of quality. Some key roles include:

• Music producers and artists who are responsible for creating the challenge track and collaborating with influencers.
• Blockchain developers with deep experience in Cardano’s ecosystem, responsible for implementing smart contracts, NFTs, and decentralized processes.
• Marketing and social media experts who will manage the global outreach campaign and ensure engagement across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Project managers to ensure timelines, milestones, and budgets are met, keeping the project on track and aligned with the goals.
• HR Manager: Responsible for overseeing recruitment, managing team dynamics, and ensuring the project adheres to all relevant labor laws and policies. The HR manager will also ensure participant coordination and communication during the challenge, supporting talent engagement and onboarding processes.
• Accountant: Tasked with managing the financial aspects of the project, including budgeting, tracking expenditures, and ensuring transparency in fund allocation. The accountant will oversee the distribution of monetary prizes and ensure financial reporting aligns with our accountability mechanisms.

We also have access to a network of collaborators, including music industry veterans and blockchain thought leaders, to provide additional support.

3. Transparent Use of Blockchain Technology

One of the strengths of the project is its reliance on blockchain for transparency and accountability. By using Cardano’s smart contracts, we can guarantee that rewards and prize distributions are conducted fairly and automatically, without human interference. The entire process—submission, evaluation, and rewards—will be traceable on the blockchain, ensuring that the community can independently verify all transactions and outcomes.

Additionally, we will use open-source, license-free platforms for submissions, NFT minting, and community engagement. This approach ensures that all participants and stakeholders can have visibility into the process, enhancing trust and demonstrating the open nature of our

4. Clear Accountability and Reporting Mechanisms

To maintain high levels of accountability, we will implement regular reporting mechanisms throughout the project. This will include:

• Regular project updates: Milestone progress and project status will be shared with stakeholders and the community, ensuring transparency at every phase.
• Real-time submission tracking: Participants' submissions will be publicly visible on decentralized platforms, allowing anyone to view and engage with the creative works.
• Blockchain-based auditing: Financial transactions, including prize distribution and project expenses, will be publicly auditable via Cardano’s blockchain, providing a high level of trust in how funds are managed.
• Independent third-party evaluations: An independent panel of blockchain, music, and dance industry experts will evaluate the final submissions, ensuring fairness in the judging process.

Feasibility of the Approach and Validation

To ensure the feasibility of our approach, we have developed a comprehensive plan that includes practical steps, risk assessments, and validation methods. Below are the key ways in which we will validate and ensure the feasibility of the project:

1. Pilot Testing of Key Components

Before launching the full challenge, we will conduct pilot tests of the core elements, including:

• Music Production and Distribution: A pre-release version of the track will be shared with select influencers and small focus groups to gauge interest and ensure technical quality.
• Social Media Engagement: We will run a small-scale social media campaign to test the outreach strategies and audience response. This will allow us to fine-tune the messaging and outreach approach before the global launch.
• Blockchain Technology Testing: Smart contracts and NFT minting mechanisms will be tested in a controlled environment to ensure technical feasibility, including the automatic distribution of rewards and transparent handling of submissions.

These pilots will allow us to identify and address any potential challenges before the full-scale launch, minimizing risks and ensuring readiness.

2. Strategic Partnerships for Reach and Impact

To further validate the project’s feasibility, we are partnering with key influencers, dance communities, and blockchain advocates. These partnerships will:

• Amplify the challenge’s reach: By collaborating with influential figures in the music, dance, and blockchain spaces, we will ensure broad and diverse participation in the challenge.
• Provide technical support: Collaborations with developers within the Cardano community will ensure that the blockchain elements of the project are robust, scalable, and easy to use.
• Enhance credibility: Partnering with well-known names in both the creative and blockchain industries will lend credibility to the project and attract more participants.

3 Risk Management and Contingency Planning

To ensure the project’s feasibility, we have also identified key risks and developed mitigation strategies:

• Technical Risks: Potential blockchain or platform-related issues (e.g., delays in smart contract execution or decentralized platform downtime) will be mitigated by thorough testing and the availability of technical support from Cardano developers.
• Marketing and Participation Risks: A strong pre-launch marketing campaign and partnerships with influencers will help drive initial interest. If engagement is lower than expected, we have planned for additional promotional efforts, such as influencer challenges and collaboration with dance communities.
• Financial Risks: The budget has been carefully planned, with a 10% contingency fund to handle unexpected expenses.

4 Regular Feedback Loops and Community Involvement

Throughout the project, we will establish regular feedback loops with the community and participants. By gathering input and feedback from early participants, we can make necessary adjustments to improve the challenge as it progresses. This will help ensure that our approach remains feasible and responsive to participant needs and expectations.

The team has a track record of success and we have been funded by catalyst and successfully delivered Coxygen Global a Cardano Smart Contract Support language

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Pre-production (Months 1-3)

a) Milestone Achievement Date: End of Month 3 after first start month

b) Milestone Funding Amount: 37,000 ADA

c) Milestone Outputs:

• Music track production completed and distributed globally.

• 10 plus influencers engaged for promotion and outreach.

• Marketing materials created (5 teaser videos, 10 graphic assets).

• 100,000 reach through social media ads and promotions.

Milestone Acceptance Criteria:

• 5,000 initial sign-ups to receive music and challenge details.

• Outreach to 300 talents across 5 key creative communities globally.

• Influencers promoting the challenge on at least 3 social platforms.

Evidence of Achievement:

• Public release of the music track on streaming platforms

• Social media reports showing reach and engagement (e.g., impressions, likes, shares).

• Contracts or agreements with influencers.

• Website or platform showing the challenge registration numbers.

Milestone 2: Challenge Launch (Months 4-5)

a) Milestone Achievement Date: End of Month 5

b) Milestone Funding Amount: 18,500 ADA

c) Milestone Outputs:

• Official launch of the dance challenge globally.

• 50,000+ interactions (shares, comments, posts) across social platforms.

• 150+ video submissions from participants.

• 10 moderators actively engaging with the participants daily.

d) Milestone Acceptance Criteria:

• 150+ participants submitting creative entries.

• Active participation from at least 2,000 global talents.

• High engagement (likes, comments) from at least 20,000 users across social platforms.

e) Evidence of Achievement:

• Dance challenge announcement on social media and community platforms.

• Social media metrics showing user interactions, shares, and video submissions.

• Submission portal showing the number of entries received.

Final Milestone: Milestone 3: Evaluation and Awards (Months 6-7)

• a) Milestone Achievement Date: End of Month 7

• b) Milestone Funding Amount: 39,500 ADA

• c) Milestone Outputs:

◦ Review and evaluation of all creative submissions completed.

◦ Top 10 winners identified and notified.

◦ Prize distribution via smart contracts.

◦ 1,000 souvenirs distributed to participants.

◦ Public announcement of winners and engagement from Cardano stakeholders.

d) Milestone Acceptance Criteria:

◦ At least 90% of all submitted entries reviewed and evaluated.

◦ Prize distribution completed to all winners transparently via Cardano smart contracts.

◦ Media and public announcement reaching 30,000+ audience across platforms.

e) Evidence of Achievement:

◦ Reports from the judging panel showing the number of submissions reviewed.

◦ Public blockchain records showing transparent prize distribution.

◦ Announcement of winners on social media, official website, and Cardano community channels.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Matthew Olugbemi

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-olugbemi-0b448747/>

Matthew Olugbemi – Senior Product Manager

Personal Information

• Name: Matthew Olugbemi
• Gender: Male, African
• Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Availability: 2 months (negotiable)
• Contact: +27 73 777 9084
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Portfolio: matthew.royalcrew.co.za
• LinkedIn: Matthew Olugbemi on LinkedIn
• ID Number: 7505106690184
• Languages: English (Full Professional Proficiency)

Notable Achievements

• Author of Digital Transformation: Building the Future
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), ITIL v4 Foundation
• Extensive experience in Agile Product Management, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering digital solutions.

Professional Summary

Matthew Olugbemi is a seasoned recording artist, singer, songwriter, music director, and vocal coach with nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry. He holds an MBA from Nexford University, Washington, USA. With over 20 tracks released on global platforms, he has also served as an advisor to the music directors of The Voice South Africa and Nigeria. Matthew was the first African member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, USA &amp; Canada, and is the convener of the Music Ministers Music Conference Africa. He has performed at various universities and across several African countries, and in 2011, he was a guest artist at the International Gathering of Champions by KICC at the Excel Arena, London.

Education

• MBA (Digital Transformation and eCommerce) – Nexford University, USA (2022-2023)
• BSc. Honours in Political Science – University of Ilorin, Nigeria (2001)

Certifications &amp; Training

• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) – Scrum Alliance (2019)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance (2019)
• ITIL v4 Foundation – AXELOS (2021)
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – AWS (2021)
• Product Management Certifications – LinkedIn Learning, Product School (2023-2024)

Roles &amp; Skills

• Senior Product Manager
• Lead Product Owner
• Agile Product Owner
• Scrum Master
• Business Analyst

Sunny Basra

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnybasra/>

Founder &amp; CEO, SoundRig Music

SoundRig Music Website

Sunny Basra is the visionary Founder and CEO of SoundRig Music, a pioneering platform in the music industry that aims to revolutionize how artists and fans connect. With a focus on innovation and creativity, SoundRig Music is shaping the future of the music industry.

Advisor &amp; Founding Team, TMinusOne

TMinusOne Website

Sunny is also part of the founding team and serves as an advisor for TMinusOne, an innovative token launchpad built on the Cardano blockchain. TMinusOne is designed to facilitate seamless token launches and support the growing Cardano ecosystem.

Proprietor, TekAIDA Consulting

TekAIDA Consulting Website

As the proprietor of TekAIDA Consulting, Sunny leads a technology consultancy firm providing expert advice and solutions across various industries, helping businesses navigate the complexities of technology integration.

Past Roles

Sunny’s professional journey includes significant roles such as:

• Partnerships &amp; Project Manager at LE4F.Agency
• Artist &amp; Client Relations Manager at NMKR.io

Before his pivot into the Web3 and tech space, Sunny was a highly respected Luxury Concierge in London, working with international royalty, VIPs, and C-Suite executives.

Education &amp; Expertise

Sunny holds a BA (Hons) in Hotel Management and brings extensive experience in managing relationships, partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service. His career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in customer relations and technology innovation.

Celiwe Ngwenya

<u>https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiwe-ngwenya/</u>

Master of Science in Computing

University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

2020 – 2023

Non-Fungible Token (NFT), REFI &amp; Bitcoin Talent’s 2nd Cohorts 2023

Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, Frankfurt, Germany

2023

Certificate in Digital Currencies

University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus

2020

Advance Diploma in Information Resource Management

University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

2017

Diploma in Information Technology

University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

2014 – 2016

WORK EXPERIENCE

Springfield Research University – Computer Science Lecturer

October 2023 to Present

• Accelerated Program Design
• Accelerated Object-Oriented Design
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Application Building with OOP.
• Computer Science 1 &amp; 2
• Computer Programming 1
• Creative Engineering Computer-Aided Design
• System Programming Concepts
• Introduction to Computing for Engineer and Scientist
• Boosting Cardano South Africa – Facilitator
• November 2022 to Present

Guiding graduate students in utilizing Cardano blockchain platforms

Stake pool management, catalyst idea scale, NFT minting, and project catalyst

Facilitating project-based learning on gimbalabs

Greenlane College – Teacher

2022, South Africa

Teaching Computer Application Technology

Grades 10, 11, 12

Gauteng College of Engineering &amp; Technology – Network and System Support

2018 to 2020

Network and system maintenance and upgrades

Configuration and installation of various network devices and services

Monitoring network performance

Troubleshooting network issues

Gauteng College of Engineering &amp; Technology – Lecturer

2018 to 2020

System support Level 5

Technical Support Level 4

PROJECTS

NFT Marketplace

React JS, Solidity, Polygon, Next.js, Node JS, MetaMask, Chakra-ui.

Web application for buying and selling NFTs through direct listings or auctions.

MERN, Cloudinary, Tailwindcss, OpenAI, Dall-e.

Web-based platform for generating images based on user descriptions or suggestions.

Crowdfunding Dapp

ReactJS, Hardhat, Solidity, Ethereum, MetaMask, Thirdweb.

Web application for listing organizations for funding with user donations.

3D AI Website

Three.JS, React-three/fiber(drei), TailwindCSS, Dalle-AI, React.JS, Framer-motion.

Customizable T-shirt design web application using AI image generation.

Next 13.JS, Framer-motion, TailwindCSS, Figma-design.

Fully functioning website using Next13, Framer Motion, and Tailwind CSS.

Chatbot

ReactJS, OpenAI, TailwindCSS.

Web-based platform with a ChatGPT-like interface for programming assistance.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Languages: Python, Solidity, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, SQL, Plutus.

Technologies/Frameworks/Libraries: Web3.js, Ethers.js, Hardhat, Express JS, Node JS, React JS, Next JS, Solidity, Redux, Thirdweb, Tailwindcss, Mendeley, LaTeX.

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY &amp; ACHIEVEMENTS

New York Academy of Sciences – Mentor

2020 to Present

Mentoring teenage girls worldwide in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics)

Africa Teen Geeks – Volunteer

2018 to Present

Assisting teenagers in learning coding using various programming languages.

Bernard Sibanda CTO (WIMS-Cardano)

<u>https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-sibanda-04832817/</u>

Professional Summary

Experienced IT professional with over 15 years of expertise in developing and implementing innovative solutions in the IT industry. Founder of Tobb Technologies, a successful consulting company specializing in credit control web solutions. Proven track record of generating revenue exceeding 6 million rands across 20 districts. Demonstrated leadership in backend, database, and frontend platform development. Actively involved in educational programs and dedicated to fostering growth within the Cardano community.

Professional Experience

Founder, Tobb Technologies Pty Ltd, Women In Move Pty Ltd (Year Started – Present), Cofounder of Cardano Africa Live

• Established and led Tobb Technologies, a consulting company specializing in credit control web solutions.
• Successfully implemented solutions across 20 districts, resulting in revenue exceeding 6 million rands.
• Provided valuable consultancy services in backend, databases, and frontend platforms, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.

IT Consultant (2007 – Present)

• Contributed over 15 years of expertise to the IT industry, delivering impactful consultancy services.
• Developed innovative solutions for backend, databases, and frontend platforms, achieving project success and client satisfaction.

Education

Plutus Core Program, University of Luxembourg

• Completed and graduated from the Plutus Core program with distinction.
• Plutus Pionneer student for cohot 1, 2,3,4

Plutus Pioneers Program

• Actively participated as one of the first Plutus Pioneers, collaborating with Dr. Lars on cutting-edge developments.

Project-Based Learning, Gimbalabs

• Engaged in project-based learning at Gimbalabs, gaining hands-on experience in the latest technologies.

Initiatives and Community Involvement

Internship Opportunities for Graduates

• Spearheading a project at Tobb Technologies to offer internship opportunities to graduate students.
• Currently planning to hire two IT graduates from the Cardano community for a six-month internship program.
• Aiming to tackle unemployment by providing job opportunities and training in Cardano development.

Educational Programs and Language Engagement

• Actively engaged in educational programs, including Mesh, Lucid, Haskell, and Helios Cardano languages.
• Continuously contributing to the growth of the Cardano community through active participation in various initiatives.

Skills

• Project Management
• Backend Development
• Database Management
• Frontend Development
• Consultancy Services
• Team Leadership
• Cardano Development
• Educational Programs
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Pre-production 37,000 ADA

• Music Production Studio fees, sound engineering, mixing, and mastering 12000
• Marketing Materials Graphics, teaser videos, influencer collaboration content 6000
• Social Media Ads Paid promotions (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) 5000
• Influencer Fees Engaging influencers and creatives for promotion 8000
• Creative Community Partnerships Collaboration with global dance and creative communities 3000
• Project Manager Oversight of pre-production activities and timeline tracking 2000
• HR Manager Team coordination and talent sourcing 500
• Accountant Managing financial aspects of pre-production 500

Milestone 2: Challenge Launch 18,500 ADA

• Platform Setup Submission platform (open-source, license-free) 4000
• Global Challenge Announcement Press releases, instructions, community outreach 3000
• Social Media Management Tools Tools for tracking engagement and monitoring progress 3000
• Community Moderation Staff to engage participants and support social media 5000
• Project Manager Oversight of challenge launch, including marketing execution 2000
• HR Manager Team management during challenge launch 500
• Accountant Financial tracking and monitoring 1000

Milestone 3: Evaluation &amp; Awards 39,500 ADA

• Judging Panel Fees Fees for industry experts, influencers, Cardano stakeholders 4000
• Monetary Prizes Awards for top 10 winners 15000
• Souvenirs Branded merchandise or NFTs for participants 5000
• Smart Contract Development Cardano-based prize distribution system 5000
• Project Manager Managing the evaluation and prize distribution process 2500
• HR Manager Talent coordination and award distribution 1500
• Accountant Financial management of prizes and awards 1500
• Contingency Fund Unforeseen costs and emergencies 5000

Total Project Cost: 100,000 ADA

no dependencies

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem

The Music and Dance Cardano Promotion project delivers exceptional value for money by strategically aligning with Cardano's goals to expand its global presence and user engagement. Here's how:

• Global Reach and Brand Exposure:
• With a budget of 100,000 ADA, the project leverages affordable open-source tools, social media platforms, and community outreach to reach 300+ global talents. This scale of participation and exposure would typically require much larger budgets in traditional marketing campaigns.
• By engaging influencers and creative communities, the project amplifies the Cardano brand worldwide at a fraction of what conventional marketing campaigns would cost.
• Engagement-Driven Strategy:
• The project combines music and dance with the power of blockchain to engage global audiences creatively, allowing Cardano to connect with diverse users. This unique engagement strategy ensures deeper connections with the community and enhances brand loyalty without requiring massive investments in technology or traditional media.
• Cost-Efficient Blockchain Integration:
• By utilizing Cardano's blockchain for smart contracts, transparent prize distribution, and NFTs, the project showcases Cardano’s technological strengths, promoting its real-world applications. This integration incurs minimal development costs but delivers significant exposure for Cardano's blockchain features.
• Long-term Community Building:
• The project provides sustainable value by identifying and nurturing creative talent who could become future ambassadors or contributors to the Cardano ecosystem. The investment in community building and talent identification ensures long-term benefits beyond the immediate project.
• Providing monetary prizes and souvenirs creates a sense of reward and ownership, encouraging continuous community participation at a relatively low cost compared to the potential network growth and talent discovery.
• Measurable Outcomes and Scalability:
• The project’s key performance indicators (KPIs), such as participation rates, audience engagement, and media reach, provide measurable outcomes that validate the cost-effectiveness of the initiative.
• If successful, this model can be scaled up or replicated in future campaigns, maximizing the return on the initial investment and further driving value for the Cardano ecosystem.

This project leverages creative engagement, blockchain technology, and global outreach to expand the Cardano ecosystem while reducing costs compared to traditional marketing campaigns and delivering long-term impact.