Free, world-class production training for Africa's live entertainment industry. Developing local talent to global standards through hands-on experience and industry mentorship.
Africa's live entertainment industry is booming, but the technical infrastructure and trained crews haven't kept pace. International productions fly in crews at massive cost while local talent remains untrained and underemployed.
CDI exists to bridge this gap. We're not just training technicians—we're building the foundation for world-class productions across the diaspora.
We deliver free, high-volume stagehand training combined with specialized technical tracks across all core production departments.
School programs and hands-on training for local technicians in lighting, audio, and production management. University partnerships with California Baptist University, University of Ghana, and University of Nigeria.
On-site and virtual production management, implementing training to create world-class shows. Industry professionals mentoring and supporting local crews on real productions.
Direct production support during the transition period, phasing out as local teams become self-sufficient. Goal: Build capacity so locals own and operate their own world-class events.
Load-in/load-out procedures, stage etiquette, power fundamentals, cable handling, safety awareness, and department workflow orientation.
Deep-dive training in your chosen specialization with hands-on equipment experience and industry-standard workflows.
FOH/Monitor mixing, system design, RF coordination
GrandMA3 programming, fixture rigging, show design
LED wall systems, camera ops, Resolume servers
Rigging safety, load-in logistics, operational awareness
Diaspora-driven expertise from concert touring, television, film, and live event production professionals.
15+ years across concert touring, television, and film. Designed for Fantasia, Amaarae, The Isley Brothers, Anita Baker, and Ledisi. IATSE 728 member. Professor at California Baptist University.
Experience spanning film, television, high-profile national events, and concert touring for top-tier artists across hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Specializes in visually driven lighting.
10+ years specializing in technical direction, stage management, and live event production for large-scale events. Expert in LED wall systems and building sustainable infrastructure.
A strategic timeline from foundation to sustainable operations.
Secure partnerships, finalize curriculum, establish 501(c)(3)
First training cohort, equipment testing, refine systems
Container ships, first production support, expand curriculum
Local teams lead shows, showcase impact, evaluate & expand
Join our free training program and gain the skills, certification, and real-world experience to work on world-class productions.
Apply for TrainingReduce costs, improve safety, and build sustainable production infrastructure with CDI-trained technicians.
Partner With UsWhether you're an aspiring technician or a production company looking to partner, we'd love to hear from you.