"Blockchain-Powered Events: Transforming African Entertainment"

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

kahsu abera

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

edomiya girmay

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

80000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

5

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

"We will create a blockchain-based platform for artists, enabling music streaming, ticket sales, and new monetization methods like ‘listen to earn,’ enhancing visibility and audience engagement."

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Yes, our project has dependencies on several key organizations and technical partners:

1. Cardano Foundation: We rely on Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure to integrate our platform with their technology, ensuring seamless transactions and security.
2. Artists and Influencers: Collaborating with artists and influencers is crucial for content creation, event promotion, and driving user engagement on the platform.
3. Technology Partners: We may partner with software developers and technical experts familiar with blockchain integration and user experience design to build our platform effectively.
4. Event Venues and Sponsors: Engaging local venues and sponsors is essential for hosting hybrid events, creating opportunities for live interactions and promotions.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project will be fully open source under the MIT License, enabling wide use, modification, and distribution.

Open Source Repository

The complete source code, documentation, and resources will be available on GitHub to foster collaboration and community contributions.

Scope of Open Source

All components, including smart contracts and user interfaces, will be open source, ensuring transparency and community trust.

[METADATA] Horizons

Business Services

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution

We aim to leverage Cardano's blockchain to address challenges faced by African artists and event organizers. Our approach builds on four years of experience with Kese Events, focusing on:

1. Problem Understanding:

• Artists lack access to fair revenue streams and reliable analytics, limiting growth opportunities.

2. Unique Features:

• Our platform will introduce music streaming and models like “listen-to-earn” and “learn-to-earn,” enabling users to earn while engaging with content.
• Smart contracts will ensure transparent revenue distribution.

3. Community Engagement:

• We will collaborate with local artists and influencers to create tailored solutions and enhance blockchain literacy.

4. Impact Measurement:

• Success will be tracked through user metrics, revenue generation, and artist participation, with continuous feedback for improvement.

5. Benefits to Cardano:

• This initiative promotes real-world utility of Cardano, driving adoption and fostering a sustainable digital economy for artists in Africa.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project aims to enhance the Cardano ecosystem by fostering a vibrant community for artists and event organizers in Africa. The positive impacts will include:

1. Increased Adoption of Cardano: By integrating blockchain features like smart contracts and revenue-sharing models, we will attract new users and artists, driving engagement with Cardano’s technology.
2. Empowerment of Creators: Our platform will provide artists with transparent revenue streams, fostering innovation and creativity, thus enriching the Cardano community.
3. Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative: We will track user engagement, revenue generated, and the number of artists participating in the platform.
• Qualitative: Feedback from users and artists will help us understand the platform's effectiveness and areas for improvement.

4.Sharing Outputs: We will publish reports on our findings and success stories through community forums, social media, and direct collaborations with Cardano’s network, ensuring transparency and encouraging further participation.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] 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?

Capability & Feasibility

Our team, comprising experienced professionals from Kese Events and Santa Trading, is well-equipped to deliver this project with high trust and accountability. We bring over four years of experience in artist and event management, alongside a robust network and understanding of the local market.

1. Proven Track Record: Our previous projects have successfully implemented data analytics, live streaming, and hybrid ticketing solutions, demonstrating our capability to manage complex initiatives.
2. Financial Management: We employ strict financial oversight processes, including budget tracking, regular audits, and transparent reporting. This ensures that funds are managed responsibly and in alignment with project goals.
3. Feasibility Validation: We will conduct pilot events to gather feedback and assess the effectiveness of our blockchain features. Engagement metrics and participant satisfaction will help validate our approach.
4. Ongoing Collaboration: We maintain direct communication with stakeholders and community members to ensure our solutions meet their needs and expectations.

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

Platform Development and Testing

• Outputs: Complete the integration of Cardano blockchain features into the Kese Events platform, including music streaming, "listen to earn," and other functionalities.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful implementation of features, demonstrated by user testing and feedback from a pilot group of participants.
• Evidence of Completion: User testing reports, feedback documentation, and demo sessions with stakeholders.

Launch of Hybrid Events

• Outputs: Organize and execute hybrid events in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, incorporating blockchain ticketing and educational sessions.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least three events successfully held, with a minimum of 100 attendees each, half of whom earned free tickets through educational classes.
• Evidence of Completion: Attendance records, event feedback, and marketing materials showcasing participation.

Project Close-out Report and Video

• Outputs: Comprehensive project close-out report detailing project outcomes, challenges, and learnings, accompanied by a video summarizing the project journey and impact.
• Acceptance Criteria: The report is submitted to stakeholders and published publicly, along with the video, highlighting key achievements and community engagement.
• Evidence of Completion: Published report and video link, along with feedback from stakeholders on the project's impact and effectiveness.

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

Project Team

1. Kahsu Abera

• Role: CEO and Co-founder at Kese Events
• LinkedIn: Kahsu Abera
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, strategic direction, and partnership development.

2. Edomiya Girmay

• Role: CMO and Co-founder at Kese Events
• LinkedIn: Edomiya Girmay
• Responsibilities: Marketing strategy, branding initiatives, and outreach for the hybrid events.

3. Tamrat Tesfaye

• Role: CEO and Co-founder at Santa Trading
• LinkedIn: Tamrat Tesfaye
• Responsibilities: Coordination with Santa Trading, managing logistics, and marketing efforts across both companies.

4. Abel Ayalew

• Role: CTO at Kese Events
• LinkedIn: Abel Ayalew
• Responsibilities: Technical development and implementation of the online class platform, ensuring seamless integration with event activities.

Additional Recruitment

If additional team members are recruited, we will seek individuals with skills in:

• Event Management: Experience in coordinating hybrid events.
• Blockchain Technology: Knowledge of Cardano's ecosystem and integration strategies.
• Digital Marketing: Expertise in engaging audiences through online platforms.
• Educational Content Creation: Skills in developing and delivering educational materials.

Engagement and Communication

Our team is already engaged and committed to the project, with proven capacity to support its execution. We have direct communication channels established with each member, and regular meetings will ensure alignment on project goals. Our teams at Kese Events and Santa Trading are ready to collaborate efficiently.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget & Costs Breakdown for Kese Events Project

Total Budget Request: 80,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown

1. Platform Development and Integration (30,000 ADA)

• Blockchain Integration: 15,000 ADA for implementing Cardano blockchain features (music streaming, ticketing).
• Testing and Quality Assurance: 5,000 ADA for testing the platform's functionalities.
• User Experience Design: 10,000 ADA for enhancing user interfaces and experiences.

1. Hybrid Events Organization (35,000 ADA)

• Venue Rentals: 15,000 ADA for renting venues in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
• Marketing and Promotion: 10,000 ADA for advertising the events (social media, influencers, local outreach).
• Event Materials: 5,000 ADA for materials needed for educational classes and event activities.
• Logistics and Transportation: 5,000 ADA for travel expenses and equipment transport.

1. Community Engagement and Documentation (10,000 ADA)

• Reporting and Documentation: 5,000 ADA for creating comprehensive reports and documentation of project outcomes.
• Community Feedback Sessions: 5,000 ADA for organizing feedback sessions with attendees and stakeholders.

1. Contingency Fund (5,000 ADA)

• Reserved for unexpected costs or overruns during project implementation.

Third-Party Services

• Software Licenses: 2,500 ADA for any necessary licenses related to streaming services and blockchain tools.
• Professional Services: 5,000 ADA for legal and accounting services to ensure compliance with regulations and fund management.

Alternative Funding Sources

If costs exceed the requested 80,000 ADA, we will explore partnerships with local businesses, crowdfunding initiatives, and sponsorships from industry stakeholders to support additional expenses.

Justification of Costs

The costs are aligned with the industry standards for project implementation, taking into consideration the local economic context. We have benchmarked our expenses against similar projects in the region and within the blockchain space to ensure value for money.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Value for Money: Kese Events Project

The 80,000 ADA requested for the Kese Events project represents a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem, as it focuses on enhancing blockchain literacy and community engagement in Africa. Here’s how the costs align with delivering value for money:

1. Market-Driven Costs: Our cost estimates are based on local market rates for services in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. For instance, venue rental rates and logistics costs reflect the average pricing found in these regions. According to recent market research, venue costs typically range from 5,000 to 20,000 ADA depending on the location and capacity . This ensures we’re operating within feasible budget constraints while maximizing outreach.
2. Industry Benchmarks: The expenses related to platform development, such as blockchain integration and user experience design, have been aligned with standard rates in the tech industry. Freelance developers and designers in the region usually charge between 25 to 50 ADA per hour, which is in line with our budget allocation for testing and design .
3. Long-Term Impact: The investment will not only facilitate hybrid events but will also create a sustainable ecosystem for artists, influencers, and attendees to engage with blockchain technology. By integrating features such as "listen to earn" and "learn to earn," we are establishing innovative use cases that enhance user adoption of Cardano and offer unique value propositions to the community .
4. Cost Efficiency: By utilizing a significant portion of the budget for marketing and community engagement (approximately 12.5% for outreach), we ensure that our message reaches a broad audience, fostering greater participation. This targeted approach aims to drive long-term growth and utilization of Cardano in Africa, ultimately providing a return on investment for stakeholders .
5. Transparent Fund Management: We commit to transparent financial management and regular reporting back to the community. This ensures that funds are used efficiently and effectively, allowing us to adapt as necessary based on community feedback .

In conclusion, the proposed costs for the Kese Events project are carefully calculated, reflecting market standards and designed to provide tangible benefits to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering growth and innovation within the region.

References

1. Market Research on Venue Costs
2. Freelance Development Rates
3. Blockchain Use Cases for Community Engagement
4. Community Engagement Strategies
5. Fund Management Best Practices