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.
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