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SEMA



Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA)



SEMA blends progressive pedagogy with innovative curricula, that gives as much space to traditional artistic practices as it does to contemporary experimentation.

Our dynamic educational programming offers SEMA learners new insights and perspectives around electronic music culture and its role in civic impact.

In 2023, SEMA received the IMC Music Award — as sub-saharan Africa’s first laureate. 

Bitwig Studio Workshop:

Zero to First Beat in 2 Hours

Tuesday, February 24th 2026

Santuri Classroom, 1pm - 3pm

Bitwig is an international music technology company based in Berlin, with the mission to create music-making tools that think outside the box. Bitwig makes Bitwig Studio, which is now the software of choice for musicians, sound designers, composers, film scorers, and other creative artists. Back at Kilele for a second time, this year there will be two highly-skilled facilitators leading the workshop.

Facilitated by Hendrick Sam
Apply for the ‘Bitwig Studio Workshop’ Here

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Bitwig Studio Workshop:

Generative Music and Visuals with TouchDesigner

Tuesday, February 24th 2026

Santuri Classroom, 3pm - 5pm

Following the intro session, Kevin Karanja will take over to dive into a specific use-case for Bitwig in his Data-Driven Music Sequencers section. Using Bitwig & TouchDesigner, Karanja will explore what it looks like when visuals move beyond merely responding to sound, but instead become active drivers of musical structure. Focussing on experimental sequencing, generative systems, and data-led composition, using code and visual signals to shape rhythm, texture, and form in real time, participants will engage with alternative creative workflows where sound, image, and system design operate as equal collaborators.

Facilitated by Kevin Karanja
Apply for the ‘Bitwig Studio Workshop with TouchDesigner’ Here

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Boards to Beats Workshop
Tuesday, February 24th 2026

Nadharia, 2pm - 5pm

Boards to Beats is a participatory workshop exploring the sonic possibilities of skateboarding. Rooted in Nairobi’s skate scene, the session invites skaters, DJs, producers, and curious sound lovers to tap into skateboarding as a source of layered experience, vibrant textures, and musical possibility.
 Participants will work with recorded skate sounds and turn them into beats and short compositions through guided exercises and collaborative play. With members of the Skate & Sound Collective in the mix, the session carries a strong community spirit grounded in sharing skills and learning from each other.

Facilitated by 
Hasira Hasara & Clebz
Apply for the ‘Boards to Beats Workshop’ Here


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Focusrite, Novation & ADAM Audio Workshop
Wednesday, February 25th 2026

Santuri Classroom, 11am - 5pm

Focusrite, Novation & ADAM Audio come together for a full-day, hands-on workshop celebrating high-end gear and boundless creativity. As part of the same family of brands, this powerhouse trio will transform the Santuri Classroom into an immersive playground for sound exploration and production innovation.
Whether refining a beat, building a live performance setup, or simply getting tactile with some of the most sought-after gear in the industry, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to explore without limits.

Facilitated by
BBYY. On The Island


Apply for the ‘Focusrite, Novation & ADAM Audio Workshop’ Here

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Ableton Beginner Workshop
Thursday, February 26th 2026

Santuri Classroom, 1pm - 5pm

Santuri's longest-standing technology partner, Ableton, is making an exciting return to collaborate with the Nairobi crew for a comprehensive beginner-level music production workshop. This will feature an immersive program designed to get you started on your music creation journey.
No prior music production knowledge or experience is required, so come ready to transform your brilliant ideas into sound!

Facilitated by
Lilywhite 


Apply for the ‘Ableton Beginner Workshop’ Here
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Ableton Advanced Masterclass
Thursday, February 26th 2026

Santuri Classroom, 1pm - 5pm

A more detailed masterclass with product demonstrations showcasing Ableton's latest software capabilities and hardware innovations, an in-depth session where participants can learn the intricate techniques behind professional music creation. This collaborative event represents a continuation of the strong partnership between Santuri and Ableton, bringing cutting-edge music production technology and tools to the vibrant creative community in Nairobi.


Apply for the ‘Ableton Advanced Masterclass’ Here

Facilitated by
Kimina


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Producer’s Meet-Up
Friday, February 27th 2026

Creatives Garage, 2pm - 3.30pm

An open forum for beatmakers, composers, sound designers and sonic experimenters to connect across genres and workflows. This networking session invites sharing of process, tools, inspirations and challenges – creating opportunities for collaboration, skill exchange and future projects.
This meet-up is non-denominational, and is therefore open to users of music creation software other than Ableton.

Facilitated by
Ng’at Maler

Register for the Ableton ‘Producer’s Meet-Up’ Here
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ALL  APPLICATIONS  OPEN  UNTIL  FEBRUARY  22nd 2026
KUJISAJILI  KUMEFUNGULIWA HADI  FEBRUARI 22 2026



KILELE  SUMMIT  2026  -  DATES  &  LOCATION


Monday,  February  23rd,  2026  to  Saturday,  February 28th ,  2026

Jumatatu,  Februari  23,  2026  hadi  Jumamosi,  Februari 28,  2026

All  Week, From 10 am EAT




The Mall - Westlands
Ring Road Westlands, Nairobi County, Kenya





These SEMA workshops are sponsored by Sanara.
 





SEMA in Sanara



SEMA is dedicated to the upskilling of music practitioners, ensuring they can build vibrant, self-sustained livelihoods. With a commitment to intersectional inclusion, SEMA seeks to
create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that students have
access to the resources and support they need.

By employing a learning-by-doing pedagogical approach, SEMA will play a crucial role in the Sanara program skilling for work, while fostering empowered and skilled audio technicians across the region.




About Sanara



Sanara is inspired by the Swahili words sanaa (arts) and biashara (business). This
exciting, inclusive program designed for young women and men in Kenya’s creative and
cultural industries aims to enable access to dignified and fulfilling work.

In partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the consortium of
HEVA, SNDBX, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Center,
have launched this 3-year program to offer opportunities for financing,
skilling programs and infrastructure, and the adoption of
sustainable practices that advance safer working environments.

For more information visit:
hevafund.com/sanara







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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)


When does the next course start?


  • Our next offerings will be communicated via our social media platforms and newsletter.

  • Follow us on socials and sign up to our newsletter to stay updated.



REQUIREMENTS


Do I need to be a musician or have any musical experience?
  • It depends on your course of study. For example, no previous musical experience is required for SEMA’s BMP and DJ101 courses but is necessary for TTT.


Do I need a laptop?

  • Having access to your own personal laptop that you can bring to class is preferable. Nonetheless, SEMA’s wide equipment inventory also has computers that students can use.


What software do I need?
  • SEMA’s production courses are primarily administered on Ableton. That being said, a variety of Digital Audio Workstations [DAWs] such as Bitwig and FL Studio also feature across modules within the programs. 

  • DJ101 is facilitated using Traktor. Industry equivalence through the coverage of Serato and CDJs also equip students with what they need to launch a career.


Once I apply, how long will it take to get accepted?
  • The SEMA Admissions Team will contact you within 4 weeks of receiving and reviewing your application.



GENERAL
What courses do you offer?

  • SEMA offers music production courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. We also offer DJ courses at the beginner level, with intermediate and advanced levels to come.

  • All SEMA curricula are expansive and in-depth, tackling the technical fundamentals, the aesthetic elements of electronic music culture, music business, wellness & wellbeing, and lots more!


How do I apply for a SEMA course?
  • By filling in the SEMA Application Form for the course you wish to study.

  • Depending on the course level, you will need to share some information about your interest and experience in music production or deejaying, demonstrate that you share Santuri’s core values, and are able to settle your full tuition fee.

  • We also run a SEMA Scholars program, for outstanding applicants with limited resources. Some SEMA courses are fully scholarship-sponsored. Stay tuned to www.santuri.org/courses for more details. 


What will I receive after completing my course of study?
  • You will receive a SEMA certificate. Santuri’s reputation is global, having strong partnerships with key music technology players globally, and a network of festivals, labels, music platforms, and further education establishments.

  • Students who successfully complete their respective course can have the opportunity to join the lively SEMA Alums program.

  • This grants you access to studio time, gear hire, showcase opportunities, and continued support and guidance in your music career.



After attending SEMA, what can I do with the skills I have learned?
  • Previous SEMA Alums have gone on to a variety of careers and opportunities. Ranging from producing professionally, signing to labels, regional and international tours, working in studios, teaching music production and deejaying, and beyond. Follow our socials for more of what our SEMA Alums are up to!



Are Santuri and SEMA the same thing?
  • The Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA) is the educational stem of Santuri East Africa. Santuri is a music innovation hub that offers studio services, gear hire, events, curation, research, consultancies, community building, on top of music production and DJ courses at SEMA.


What’s so special about SEMA, anyway?
  • SEMA is designed and implemented by artists, producers, and DJs who have a deep connection to alternative and innovative music, and a strong sense of community purpose. We adopt a progressive pedagogy based on Project Based Learning, so students are always hands-on with their own studies - this is not a traditional classroom. 

  • Each student is challenged to surpass their own expectations, and encouraged to develop critical thinking about the work they produce and the industry they wish to be a part of. Santuri also intentionally addresses the gender imbalance in the music scene and highly encourages diverse applications showcasing the vibrance of East African music culture.


Some direct questions we’ve received:


Some SEMA programs are courses that you have to pay for, while others are “free.” What is the difference?

  • SEMA is the leading electronic music academy in East Africa. We previously were offering students stipends to attend, though transitioned into a paid course model and are now offering courses at fees that are affordable for our community. As such, our market friendly fee is already a perk compared to regional and global institutions.


If a student is not able to clear the fees before orientation, are there flexible payment plans offered?
  • It is mandatory that applicants settle their enrollment fee in order to be onboarded onto their desired course. However, we are a reasonable team, and if there are urgent or extenuating circumstances, we can look into flexible payment options.


(note: this may incur an additional fee and remains within SEMA’s discretion)



Are there work placements or applied work experience that you receive with the course, or is it purely educational without industry engagement?

  • There are many industry interactions through our extra-curricular and Santuri/ SEMA-wide activities, events, and programs. These include opportunities to showcase your work via our networks, perform at local venues, interact with international communities and platforms such as CDR, Oroko Radio, Currents FM, Beneath the Baobabs, Kilele Summit, and more.

  • For DJs, we have offered opportunities at pristine locations like Jenga Jungle, Unseen, The Mist, Shelter KE and Beneath the Baobabs festival. Our music production graduates have performed on international stages like Suoni Per Il Popolo, Nyege Nyege, CTM Festival, Sonar Festival and top local venues. SEMA also offers niche opportunities such as live film scoring, soundtracking, and artist residencies.


If someone may have a day job or a full-time job, are there sessions that could be set up for them to learn either part-time, evening or on weekends?

  • SEMA is currently in the process of formulating alternatives suitable for working students that will be communicated through our socials and newsletter once designed.


How can I get in touch with your admissions team?
  • The best place to begin is by filling out the application form for your respective course at SEMA.

  • If you need to get in touch with the SEMA Admissions Team, email us at admissions@santuri.org and we will try to answer any questions you have.


The final decision to grant admission to any applicant lies solely with the
Santuri Electronic Music Academy.
SEMA reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant based on its own criteria and discretion.


Santuri East Africa

Basement, The Mall
Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

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