Here you’ll find info about:
Our community space - the Santuri Salon
Santuri Studio
Gear rentals / loans
Membership programs
Residencies
Hangouts and networking
Santuri has a fully-equipped recording and production studio available for hire. Located at The Mall, Westlands (basement level), the studio offers cutting-edge equipment and knowledgeable technicians ready to bring your ideas to fruition. Santuri is committed and proud to be a safe, welcoming space that encourages producers and artists from all walks of like to feel at home. We particuarly welcome non-male / queer identities to utilise our services.
︎We Offer︎
Studio Hire (with or without an audio engineer)
Gear Hire (recording or live events)
Podcast Recording
Access to DJ Equipment (practice or recording of mixes)
Video Production / Editing
Access to Ableton / Native Instruments / Elektron / Novation Hardware and Software
Event and Festival Curation and Production
Get in Touch for a Personalised Quotation
Gear List
Maschine +
The standalone MASCHINE+ is a WiFi-enabled sampler, drum machine, synthesizer, and is an on-stage superpower. Leave the laptop behind, jam with this piece of gear, and create beats in minutes with a wealth of on-board sounds, instruments, and effects.
Maschine MK2 & MK3
The MASCHINE MK2 & MK3 are sequencers, samplers, VST/AU plug-in hosts and multi-effect units used for beat-making and performance.
Ableton Push 1 ,2 & 3
Ableton Push is an instrument for song creation that provides hands-on control of melody and harmony, beats, sounds, and song structure. In the studio, Push allows you to quickly create clips that populate Live's Session View as you work entirely from the hardware.
Boss Dr. Sample SP-303
The Boss Dr. Sampler SP-303 by Roland offers DJs and musicians a compact, easy-to-use portable phrase sampler with high-quality sound, 8-note polyphony, 26 onboard effects and a real-time pattern sequencer for sampling and effects processing anytime.
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Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard
With the latest generation of KOMPLETE KONTROL, music-making becomes a more intuitive, hands-on experience. Perform expressively, browse and preview sounds, tweak parameters, sketch your ideas, then navigate and mix your project – all from one fully integrated centerpiece for studio and stage.
Venice F24 Mixer
VF24 is much more than a compact live audio console. The DIGI-LOG VF24 is the platform for completely integrated audio mixing, recording and signal processing. Thanks to its FireWire digital audio interface which is capable of supporting up to 24 x 24 channels of high-quality, 24-bit audio.
Shure PGA DrumKit
The PGA DrumKit 7 Microphone Kit is a complete package of professional quality microphones, designed to provide excellent sound for full drum kit performance and recording. Included in the PGA DrumKit 7 are one PGA52 kick drum microphone, three PGA56 drum microphones, one PGA57 instrument microphone and two PGA81 instrument microphones, along with three drum mounts, seven XLR-XLR cables, and a carrying case.
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Shure SM57s / SM58s
These cardioid dynamic microphones offer a clean reproduction of amplified and acoustic instuments. Features include contoured frequency response for rich vocal pickup, background noise reduction, and a pneumatic shock mount system.
Shure MV 88+ (Field Recording Mics)
The digital stereo condenser microphone replaces field recorders with the ability to record audio onto an iOS device. Features include 5 preloaded DSP settings, Lightning Connector compatibility, and iOS ShurePlus MOTIV app editing.
Shure MV7 Vocal (including direct to USB)
Inspired by the legendary SM7B, the MV7 is a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs for use with computers and professional interfaces alike. Connect via USB, explore additional set-up features and use auto level mode within the ShurePlus™ MOTIV app to control your vocal tone, and distance from the microphone.Sound Isolation Panels
A full set of acoustic panels composed of compressed Rockwool & foam are at your disposal. The sound absorbing acoustic panels diffuse sound waves to reduce ambient noise, clarify speech and limit reverberation within enclosed areas.
Adam Audio TV5 Monitors
The T5V is a two-way nearfield monitor optimised for small control rooms. Excellent acoustic characteristics, small dimensions and outstanding performance make this studio monitor perfectly suited for use in small control rooms in music, video and broadcast production.
iMac 27inch 2017
A fully capable 2017 iMac model with the full Ableton Live 11 Suite, Native Instruments Komplete 13 Ultimate and Izotope plugins.
Microphone Stands
Several flexible microphone stands for any occasion.
Audio Interfaces (Native Instruments, Focusrite, Yamaha)
Audio interfaces convert microphone and instrument signals into a format your computer and software recognise. The interface also routes audio from your computer out to your headphones and studio monitors. Our studio offers a wide variety of interfaces for all your recording needs.
Elektron Digitakt
Behringer TD-303
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RATES
Hourly Rate 2,500 KES
Half Day 7,500 KES
Half-day with engineer 10,000 KES
Full-day 12,500 KES
Full-day with engineer 15,000 KES
Half Day ( 5 Hours)
Full Day (8 Hours)
Contact Us
studio@santuri.org
+254 768 226 199
SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS JADILI SESSIONS / LISTENING SESSIONS WORKSHOPS / LIVE PERFORMANCES LIVE RECORDINGS
The Santuri Salon is our new space at The Mall (basement level) in Westlands, Nairobi.
It is Santuri’s multi-functional space for workshops, performances, listening sessions, panel discussions and more.
The Santuri Salon is also a place for DJs and music producers to access world class hardware and software Santuri shares with the community. What’s more, we also have a library focusing on music culture books and publications.
The space is open to the community for hire. Simply contact the Santuri Salon on:
+254 768 226 199 (mobile / WhatsApp) or email salon@santuri.org
BOOK THE SANTURI SALON NOW
SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS @ THE SANTURI SALON
Spotlight Sessions is a monthly event series held at The Santuri Salon, where we proudly present exceptional emerging musicians from the East African region. With the generous backing of the Ignite Culture EA grant, we have established an inclusive environment that allows these talented artists to showcase their unique and experimental projects before an intimate and receptive audience.
Kicking off in June 2023, our Spotlight Sessions are free to attend on the last Thursday of every month until December. We encourage you to mark your calendars and join us for these immersive events.
If you are an emerging East African musician seeking an opportunity to showcase at Spotlight Sessions, apply on the next call.
Spotlight Sessions : mphilo
27th July 2023
The third Spotlight Sessions was truly a unique family affair. Kenyan storyteller mphilo performed never-heard-before tracks alongside her sisters on drums and vocals, while MR LU* looped it all up on Ableton. The eager audience enjoyed her soulful singing, spoken word, nyatiti sounds and even composed two original tracks together during the incredible event.
Book Santuri Salon >> https://forms.gle/FRVkEBo9bRaY7YLB9
JADILI SESSIONS
Swahili for discuss, Jadili Sessions are our thought-provoking panel discussions held at The Santuri Salon. Held every other month, we bring together artists, entrepreneurs and experts to explore the depths of music, culture and creativity. From exploring the ethics of sampling traditional instruments and cultures to unravelling the history of electronic music, and examining the role of traditional music in today's contemporary contexts.
K-SHAKA REUNION
Friday 11th August
We celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop globally with a heartwarming homecoming show. The legendary Kenyan hip hop trio of KShaka (formerly known as Kalamashaka) made their long-awaited reunion at The Salon, before performing later that night at The Mist. This special session allowed KShaka fans to recall their rich history since the early 90s and express their undying love for them.
MUSIC LISTENING SESSIONS
NYUMBANI EP LISTENING SESSION
Released during Africa month, Nyumbani EP is a truly collaborative and continental project that connects Kenya, Zambia and South Africa. During the intimate listening session, the fresh duo of DJ Ally Fresh and DJ Mura shared BTS stories with their friends and fans. Fun fact: the title track was conceived by the SEMA alums in a Santuri classroom.
Book Santuri Salon >> https://forms.gle/FRVkEBo9bRaY7YLB9
FUNDRAISERS
Preserving Coastal Music Heritage
Tuesday, 9th May 2023
From the late 1960s to 2022 musicians from the East African coast recorded at ‘Mbwana Radio Service’ in Mombasa’s Old Town. Some of
the music styles in the catalogue are taarab, mwanzele, kayamba or gozi. On the roster of the cassette label were stars like Zuhura Swaleh, Maulidi Juma, and Nyerere wa Konde. At the end of last year the studio and shop closed its doors permanently but the cassettes still exists albeit in a precarious state. That’s why we need your support in preserving the diverse collection! The event featured music and conversations celebrating the rich heritage, addressing current issues and exploring possible futures.
All proceeds go to the preservation initiave.
In conversation was:
Nassoro Mwinyi, custodian of the collection
Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, cultural anthropologist
Wairimũ Nduba, founder of @werjokenya.
WORKSHOPS
Kalanzi Music Distribution Workshop
Thursday, 27th April
Tangaza Magazine project manager Kalanzi facilitated an enlightening music distribution 101 workshop for our SEMA production students and our wider audience. He delved into the history of music distribution, explored various platforms available for distribution, and imparted valuable insights on music marketing. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment where students shared their personal experiences in distributing music online.
Evolution of Kenyan music: Intro
Saturday 25th March
LaMusicJunkie hosted the first edition of the Evolution of Kenyan Music series, taking us back to the origins of Kenyan popular music in the 1940s. DJ Jojo's expertly curated vinyl selections showcased the diversity of Kenyan sounds, making for a fun and fascinating music discussion. Enjoy this captivating trip through time here:
https://bit.ly/evolutionofkenyanmusiczilizopendwa
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Reflective Surface by Muthoni ni Mimi
10th March 2023
Muthoni Ni Mimi held her first showcase event at The Salon and it was absolutely mesmerising. Her multidisciplinary performance fused spoken word, live painting, acoustic music, African percussion and live electronics using Ableton Push. Attendees described the SEMA alumna's performance, who doubles as a musician and psychologist, as sound healing.
Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA)
SEMA Sundowner
Thursday 27th April 2023
Our first sundowner event at The Salon featured a fun eclectic mix of female and male Kenyan DJs. Barno, SeLO, Sirtoontzalot and Kimina played urban hits, Kenyan rhythms and electronic beats, creating a chill and relaxed atmosphere. This intimate sundowner brought the Santuri students and community together to connect on a cool Thursday night.
SEMA Open Day
Get a taste what the Santuri Electroonic Music Academy (SEMA) has to offer with free workshops and classes.
13th January 2023
Live Recordings
Dipa Konnection Video Shoot
Nairobi’s next top band passed by The Salon to shoot a music video for their upcoming release.
Them Mushrooms Live
The legendary Kenyan music band recorded a live show as they celebrated 50 years of Them Mushrooms.
“Santuri has been a much needed breathe of fresh air in the Nairobi music space post-pandemic, bringing together equally inspired and curious music minds to learn, engage and interact. The Santuri Salon is a perfect add on to this ecosystem, right in the heart of Westlands (Nairobi party district), providing a space to showcase some of the magic the city is making. It was an honour for Them Mushrooms, one of Kenyas most iconic bands, to able to jam in the space to a small exclusive audience, in the build up to the Hamsini Tour celebrating 50 Years of Live music”. George ‘Porgie’ Gachui, Them Mushrooms’ Manager
Book The Santuri Salon for your event: https://forms.gle/FRVkEBo9bRaY7YLB9
Achievements
Since our doors opened in November 2022, we have successful hosted:
11 Jadili Sessions
9 Spotlight Sessions
8 Listening Sessions
4 Live Performances
3 Artist Workshops
3 Film Screenings
2 Podcast Recordings
1 Fundraiser Event
We look forward to hosting you next!
Book Santuri Salon >> https://forms.gle/FRVkEBo9bRaY7YLB9
BOOK THE SANTURI SALON NOW
GALLERY
“Iche album” launch featuring Janice Iche, Nabalayo, Akoth Jumadi and DJ IV
[M] hosts TCHNO Workshop at Santuri Salon
Building the Santuri Salon in September 2022
Welcome to the second call for applications for Spotlight Sessions. Santuri East Africa is seeking innovative, emerging East African artists to showcase at the Santuri Salon between September 2023 and January 2024. This opportunity is particularly for artists who thrive willing to experiment, challenge conventions, and create sounds that defy categorization.
If you are a musician, band or collective who thrives outside of the mainstream and are committed to forging new paths in music, we want to hear from you.
The Spotlight Sessions showcases at Santuri Salon will provide an intimate, engaged audience for you to test out your latest creations or artistic concepts.
We welcome acts of all genres, from afro-fusion, experimental, electronic, to noise, rock, and beyond!
The Spotlight Sessions are particularly interested in projects that address or relate to some of the following themes:
- The intersection of technology and tradition
- African culture and identity
- Community, connectedness, or cross-cultural collaboration
- Pressing issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, social inequality etc
- Combinations of art disciplines with a strong musical component
Here are some examples:
- Live performance of a new release, involving different performance tools
- Interactive DJ set or deep dive into a micro genre / theme
- Immersive sound art installation
- Live ‘pirate radio’ takeover
- Improvised modular synthesizer performance
- Reusing folkloric practices in innovative ways
Who can apply?
- New and emerging East African musicians based in the region
- Participants of 18 years and over
- Non-male/queer artists strongly encouraged to apply
- Groups of not more than 3 artists
The first 4 Spotlight Sessions took place between May and August 2023. Check out the previous shows below to discover the kind of artists who were successful. If you applied before and weren't selected, feel free to apply again.
Support:
- Performers will receive a nominal performance fee from Santuri of KES 15,000.
- Santuri will provide sound and lighting for the show.
- Santuri will provide time and space for rehearsals.
- Selected acts will be promoted across the Santuri East Africa platforms (newsletters, website, radio shows, social media).
- A space will be allocated at the Santuri Salon for showcasing artists to sell their merchandise.
Timeline:
- Submit your application by 30th September 2023.
- Eligible applications will be reviewed by the Santuri Curation Committee.
- All applicants will be notified of their status via email.
- Only complete applications submitted via the online form below will be considered.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The “Spotlight Sessions” is supported by a grant from Ignite Culture: ACP-EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa).
This fund is being implemented by HEVA, in partnership with the British Council Kenya with the financial contribution of the European Union, and with further support from the Organisation of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) States. It is part of the global ACP-EU Culture Programme.
Thursday 27th July
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The third Spotlight Sessions was a unique family affair. Kenyan storyteller mphilo performed never-heard-before tracks alongside her sisters on drums and vocals, while MR LU* looped it all up on Ableton. The eager audience enjoyed her soulful singing, spoken word, nyatiti sounds and even composed two original tracks together during the exceptional event.
Thursday 29th June
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The second Spotlight Sessions artist Nduta stole both the show, and the audience's hearts.
Accompanied by talented Kenyan musicians Sam100 on Ableton Live, Mango on guitar and Cee Jr on choreography, Nduta delivered a remarkable and innovative set, showcasing a beautiful blend of genres. Her ethereal vocals and undeniable stage presence left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed her performance.
Here’s some events that toom place at the Santuri Salon.
Thursday 25th May
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At the inaugural Spotlight Sessions at The Salon, the spotlight shone on Kenyan alternative artist ICHA. In a captivating and interactive session, ICHA demonstrated his talent by recording a trap song live and performing his finest tracks, with the help of Xens from The East. This groundbreaking event laid the foundation for future Spotlight Sessions, promising more exceptional musical experiences to come.
This fund is being implemented by HEVA, in partnership with the British Council Kenya with the financial contribution of the European Union, and with further support from the Organisation of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) States. It is part of the global ACP-EU Culture Programme.
Spotlight Sessions : mphilo
Thursday 27th July
The third Spotlight Sessions was a unique family affair. Kenyan storyteller mphilo performed never-heard-before tracks alongside her sisters on drums and vocals, while MR LU* looped it all up on Ableton. The eager audience enjoyed her soulful singing, spoken word, nyatiti sounds and even composed two original tracks together during the exceptional event.
Spotlight Sessions : Nduta
Thursday 29th June
The second Spotlight Sessions artist Nduta stole both the show, and the audience's hearts.
Accompanied by talented Kenyan musicians Sam100 on Ableton Live, Mango on guitar and Cee Jr on choreography, Nduta delivered a remarkable and innovative set, showcasing a beautiful blend of genres. Her ethereal vocals and undeniable stage presence left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed her performance.
Here’s some events that toom place at the Santuri Salon.
Spotlight Sessions: ICHA
Thursday 25th May
At the inaugural Spotlight Sessions at The Salon, the spotlight shone on Kenyan alternative artist ICHA. In a captivating and interactive session, ICHA demonstrated his talent by recording a trap song live and performing his finest tracks, with the help of Xens from The East. This groundbreaking event laid the foundation for future Spotlight Sessions, promising more exceptional musical experiences to come.
Uvumbuzi Music Residency Program
Submission deadline: 30th September 10pm EAT
Santuri East Africa and Ajabu Ajabu supported by a grant from Ignite Culture: ACP-EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa) are excited to announce an extraordinary opportunity for East African musicians!
Selected applicants will be able to participate in a unique music residency program called Uvumbuzi, bridging the creative landscapes of Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. Artists are invited to submit projects under three themes: Pushing Sonic Boundaries; Sound Modulation for Social Transformation; and Preserving East African Heritage.
About the Residency
Our reciprocal music residency program is designed to empower East African music producers and performers to put forth singles, EP’s or short live performances, while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and embracing cutting-edge technologies. If you've been working on demos & sketches, you may want to take the next steps - receiving some constructive feedback, and preparing your project for professional mixing & mastering services. If you’re ready to push your project over the finish line, this opportunity is perfect for you!
For an intensive two week period in November, Kenyan artists will be hosted by Ajabu Ajabu in Dar Es Salaam (October 30th - November 12th), and Tanzanian artists will be hosted by Santuri in Nairobi (November 13th-27th). The residency lets you manage your own time, but also includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, workshops on performance, mixing & mastering. Transport and accommodation will be provided, as well as a daily stipend of 1500 Ksh / 26114 TSH.
If your project is selected, you will:
- Be supported to develop a comprehensive work plan and schedule for the proposed project.
- Have access to studio equipment (including Native Instruments, Elektron, Albeton Adam Audio, Behringer & more)
- Engage in regular check-ins with Santuri East Africa and Ajabu Ajabu to update on your project’s progress.
- Have access to showcase and public opportunities to present your work after completing the residency
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Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to submit a project proposal under one of the three following themes
Embracing innovative technologies and experimental techniques to craft unique and genre-defying sounds; exploring the new possibilities shaping the future of music, such as artificial intelligence and cutting-edge software
Using music to address and advocate for social, political, and environmental issues that resonate with East African Audiences
Paying tribute and revitalizing traditional music from Kenya and Tanzania using contemporary music production.
We encourage artists who already have demos, or live shows under production to submit their application by September 30th.
Application should include the following files in a Google Drive Folder with the following title [First Name, Last Name - Uvumbuzi 2023]
Applicants should include the link to their Google Drive Folder in the following Google Form, along with their answers. Once you have filled out our google form, you can expect a confirmation email. Selected successful applicants will be contacted a second time via email by Santuri & Ajabu Ajabu. Due to the high number of applicants, only successful applicants will be contacted a second time.
- Pushing Sonic Boundaries
Embracing innovative technologies and experimental techniques to craft unique and genre-defying sounds; exploring the new possibilities shaping the future of music, such as artificial intelligence and cutting-edge software
- Sound Modulation for Social Transformation
Using music to address and advocate for social, political, and environmental issues that resonate with East African Audiences
- Preserving East African Heritage
Paying tribute and revitalizing traditional music from Kenya and Tanzania using contemporary music production.
We encourage artists who already have demos, or live shows under production to submit their application by September 30th.
Application should include the following files in a Google Drive Folder with the following title [First Name, Last Name - Uvumbuzi 2023]
- Brief artist biography & artist statement (artistic vision, goals, how the residency will impact your creative development) (PDF)
- A concept proposal for your project, clearly addressing one or more of the themes (PDF)
- Artist portfolio or samples of your previous work, highlighting your artistic style and current direction. A minimum of 5 tracks or 5 performance videos is required. (MP3, MP4)
- WIP - Works In Progress / Demo recordings that you intend to finalize during the residency. A minimum of 4 works is required (MP3, MP4)
Applicants should include the link to their Google Drive Folder in the following Google Form, along with their answers. Once you have filled out our google form, you can expect a confirmation email. Selected successful applicants will be contacted a second time via email by Santuri & Ajabu Ajabu. Due to the high number of applicants, only successful applicants will be contacted a second time.
Join us in shaping the future of East African music!
This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of sonic innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and social impact through music. Unleash your creativity and be part of a movement that resonates beyond borders.
This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of sonic innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and social impact through music. Unleash your creativity and be part of a movement that resonates beyond borders.
The “Uvumbuzi Music Residency” is supported by a grant from Ignite Culture: ACP-EU Culture Programme (Eastern Africa). This fund is being implemented by HEVA, in partnership with the British Council Kenya with the financial contribution of the European Union, and with further support from the Organisation of ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) States. It is part of the global ACP-EU Culture Programme.
FAQs