Santuri East Africa is a community-focussed music innovation hub based in Nairobi, Kenya.
We exist to bring about a more equitable, authentic and diverse music industry.
Kilele is over, but we’ve prepared some videos and gallaries so you can re-live our alternative universe.
Click through!
Award-winning music education in Nairobi
Studios, Santuri Salon workshop space, gear hire and more
The region’s first music tech and innovation summit
Artist development, events, bookings and more
Incubating creative enterprises
︎︎︎We specialize in providing progressive, globally-focussed music education for producers and DJs through the Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA).
︎︎︎We connect artists to knowledge, music technology, production & recording facilities, and cultural dialogues at our Santuri Salon space.
︎︎︎We create opportunities for sonic artists through showcase events, residencies and collaborations
︎︎︎We provide an environment that lives our commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
︎︎︎We build partnerships and develop networks globally to support artists and creatives
︎︎︎We host an annual music tech and innovation summit - Kilele
Santuri Electronic Music Academy
SEMA blends progressive pedagogy with innovative curricula that gives as much space to traditional artistic practices as to contemporary experimentation.
Our dynamic educational programming offers SEMA students new insights and perspectives that speak to electronic music culture and its wider role in civic impact.
In 2023, SEMA received the IMC Music Award — as sub-saharan Africa’s first laureate.
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SEMA blends progressive pedagogy with innovative curricula that gives as much space to traditional artistic practices as to contemporary experimentation.
Our dynamic educational programming offers SEMA students new insights and perspectives that speak to electronic music culture and its wider role in civic impact.
In 2023, SEMA received the IMC Music Award — as sub-saharan Africa’s first laureate.
︎Beginner
There is no experience necessary for our beginner course, just a passion for music and the desire to learn. Successfully completing this course equips new producers with the skills and knowledge to start their journey of music making and creative expression with the Santuri ethos of community, collaboration and innovation.
︎Intermediate
Students are taken through modules on mixing and mastering, innovative music production techniques and performance skills, the cultural and sub-cultural contexts of electronic music, digital distribution, copyright, and career development.
︎Advanced
The course offers producers with experience an opportunity to take their music to a new level – from experimental production techniques, building live performances, advanced mixing approaches and developing release strategies.
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Feedback from the advanced music production course:
“I have to admit, I learnt more in a span of 6 weeks than all my previous experience in music production. This program has been a game changer to me and my music journey. I really appreciate all the tutors and the staff for their time, knowledge, patience and passion. I'm really proud of myself and more confident now about my art.”
“The program has changed how I think about sound as a whole. I feel like it led me to take a step back from what I already knew about music production, from the approaches I was already used to and to reconsider, reimagine, and relearn what sound is in general. (...) It also made me even more passionate about sound design. From building my own sounds, to making my own presets on VSTs. I just have a whole new range of possibilities in my mind when I think about making music now.”
“The program has changed how I think about sound as a whole. I feel like it led me to take a step back from what I already knew about music production, from the approaches I was already used to and to reconsider, reimagine, and relearn what sound is in general. (...) It also made me even more passionate about sound design. From building my own sounds, to making my own presets on VSTs. I just have a whole new range of possibilities in my mind when I think about making music now.”
Feedback from the beginner music production course:
“I'm more inspired and confident in myself and it's become easier to translate musical ideas into projects.”
“Not only do I know 'how to do', I now also know 'what to do'. Having experienced teachers from the industry completely changed my approach to music and creating as a whole. The class on 'Experimental Music' was the most impactful.”
“I've been exposed to the most talented individuals I've ever met, which in turn has taught me a lot and has truly become an inspiration.”
“It was incredibly inspiring! I felt the community enhanced my work.”
“It has been an amazing, amazing journey. It still baffles me that I’ve been able to garner all this knowledge in a little more than three
weeks.”
“Not only do I know 'how to do', I now also know 'what to do'. Having experienced teachers from the industry completely changed my approach to music and creating as a whole. The class on 'Experimental Music' was the most impactful.”
“I've been exposed to the most talented individuals I've ever met, which in turn has taught me a lot and has truly become an inspiration.”
“It was incredibly inspiring! I felt the community enhanced my work.”
“It has been an amazing, amazing journey. It still baffles me that I’ve been able to garner all this knowledge in a little more than three
weeks.”
Be the first to hear about new courses.
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The formation of Santuri Electronic Music Academy was supported by Goethe-Institut's Jenga CCI on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in collaboration with the GIZ.
The formation of Santuri Electronic Music Academy was supported by Goethe-Institut's Jenga CCI on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in collaboration with the GIZ.
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SEMA Advanced Course Showcase at Shelter
The Advanced Course Showcase packed out Shelter in Westlands, Nairobi in March 2022 with a line-up of 7 acts playing live electronic sets. These performances were conceptualised and developed as a part of their SEMA Final Projects. The night also featured stellar DJ sets from SnSe, Ng’at Maler, 7headc0, Coco Em and more.
SEMA Intermediate Course Graduation at Muringa
Back in November 2021, we held an amazing Showcase for the Intermediate Course featuring performances from the students and some special guests. Check out the highlights here:
SEMA Beginners Course Graduation at The Mist
The May 2022, the Beginners’ Course celebrated at The Mist in Westlands with performances from students and staff.
RELEASES
RELEASES
Santuri in its formative years was involved in bringing together traditonal instrumentalists and producers to collaborate on various music projects. We present some of the releases that came about as a result over the years. Most were released on vinyl and are sold out, but you can still cop them on Bandcamp.