After the national festivals and the IRF have taken place, the national training centres conduct a series of workshops with some of these new participants, as well as other talented musicians that have not won any prizes in the festivals' competitions.

Young musicians frequently become role models for their peers. 'Songs 4 life' singing and songwriting workshops are provided by professional musicians, and also encourage participants to write about their realities, and to use their talents in order to make an impact on listeners.

The lyrics that come out from Songs 4 life workshops often address important issues such as life and death, sickness and health, violence and peace, education, and poverty. The best songs are selected for studio recordings - offering some musicians their first chance to work in a professional studio setting.

Two 'Songs for life' compilation albums have been released so far, and the recordings that come out of these workshops are promoted to get radio and TV airplay.

The tracks below are from the 'Songs for Life Mozambique' and 'Songs for Life Zimbabwe' albums. Each carries its own unique stories and lessons learnt from life in Southern Africa.