Nexus of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Digital Musicality: Exploring Afro-Diasporic Music Entrepreneurship in the Digital Music Industry
Authors: Ruiz-Resto José Valentino 
Published: October 2023

This article presents a theoretical framework called the Nexus of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Digital Musicality (CEDM) to explore the intersection of migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, and emerging digital music platforms. The framework integrates concepts from cultural studies, entrepreneurship, musicology, and intercultural communication to analyze the entrepreneurial processes and cultural dynamics within the evolving landscape of digital music. The framework sheds light on the factors influencing migratory entrepreneurship and Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship within the digital music industry through its examination of these entrepreneurial endeavors. Key concepts such as migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, cultural dynamics, and the role of technology and digital platforms are discussed, providing operationalized definitions for terms relevant to the study, such as music multimedia production, intercultural empathy, translatability, and Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the article explores the challenges faced by Afro-Diasporic musicians in the music multimedia production industry and proposes innovative approaches to overcome these challenges. Opportunities discussed include embracing cultural authenticity, collaborating across borders, harnessing technological advancements, engaging with online communities, leveraging social media platforms, and building sustainable business models. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange within the digital music industry by analyzing theoretical perspectives and practical approaches. It seeks to guide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in fostering inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems. In addition, the article presents an overview of nine compelling suggestions for future research in the field of empowering Afro-Diasporic musicians within the music multimedia production industry. These research directions aim to shed light on various aspects of the industry, addressing gaps in knowledge and providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by Afro-Diasporic musicians. The study aims to develop effective strategies, policies, and interventions that foster inclusivity, equality, and opportunities for Afro-Diasporic musicians in the rapidly evolving music multimedia landscape by exploring various areas such as socio-economic factors, representation and diversity, cultural preservation and innovation, digital platforms and technology, collaborative practices, the impact of social media, and more. The proposed research methodologies ensure robustness and validity in investigating these important topics, enabling researchers to contribute to the development of an empowering and supportive ecosystem for Afro-Diasporic musicians in the music multimedia production industry.