Deadline: 30 September 2023
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!
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.
The 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.
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.
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.
Themes
Applicants are encouraged to submit a project proposal under one of the three following themes:
- 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.
Benefits
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any Kenyan or Tanzanian artist with minimum 3 years’ experience in producing, playing or performing music. Some experience is required, since residents are expected to manage their own time and deliver a project for showcasing after the two-week period.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Types of creative projects are suitable for this residency: Singles (4 tracks), EP’s (4-6 tracks), and live shows (6-10 tracks).
- The residency program will cover the fee of a competitively priced hotel accommodation.
- Only solo artists can be part of the residency. For live shows, performers must be working on a solo show.
- Producers and performers can collaborate with other artists, but additional resources cannot be made available towards travel & accommodation. Artists should prioritize online/remote collaboration, or cover the collaboration costs themselves.
For more information, visit HEVA.