Today, we're officially introducing the Crew Development Institute (CDI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building Africa's production workforce through free, professional-grade training.
Our mission is simple: train local technicians to international standards so Africa's booming entertainment industry can grow sustainably, with local crews running world-class productions.
Why We Started CDI
Africa's live entertainment industry is exploding. Afrobeats is a global phenomenon. Major artists are touring the continent. Festivals are expanding across West Africa. But there's a critical gap: trained local crews.
When major productions come to Africa, they typically fly in technical crews from Europe or North America. That means:
- Production dollars leave local economies
- Local workers get labor jobs, not technical careers
- No skills transfer happens
- The cycle repeats
CDI exists to break this cycle.
Our Training Model
Two-Tier Program
Tier 1: Stagehand Fundamentals. A 2-day intensive covering load-in/load-out, stage etiquette, safety, and basic production workflow. Free. 100+ trainees per deployment.
Tier 2: Specialist Tracks. 3-day deep dives in Audio, Lighting, Video, or Rigging. Professional equipment. Working industry instructors. 15-30 participants per track.
Every deployment culminates in a real live production: a concert or festival stage crewed entirely by trainees under professional supervision. This isn't simulation. It's hands-on experience that translates directly to employment.
Our Team
CDI is led by working professionals with decades of combined experience in touring, television, and live events:
Erica D. Hayes
Founder & Executive Director
15+ years touring LD
Keith Bernard
Board Member
Visual Director
Blake Brady
Board Member
Producer & Ops Lead
Our instructors aren't academics. They're working professionals who design and operate shows for major artists. They bring real-world expertise directly to trainees.
Partnership with LiveX Africa
CDI operates in partnership with LiveX Africa in Accra, Ghana. LiveX is one of West Africa's premier production companies, with deep relationships across Ghana's entertainment industry.
This partnership provides:
- Local facility and equipment storage
- Trainee recruitment through established networks
- Festival placements for graduates
- On-ground logistics and coordination
2026 Roadmap
This year is about building the foundation:
- Q1-Q2: Secure partnerships, finalize curriculum, establish 501(c)(3)
- Q3: Ship equipment container to Accra, soft launch training
- Q4: First official cohort, December in Ghana festival season
By the end of 2026, we aim to have trained 400+ stagehands and 120+ specialists, with many already working professional events.
Get Involved
CDI succeeds through community. Here's how you can help:
Join the Movement
Whether you want to train, teach, partner, or support, there's a place for you.
This is just the beginning. Africa's entertainment industry is ready to scale, and we're building the crews to make it happen.
Welcome to CDI. Let's build something.