Open call: Uvumbuzi music residency in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam

Selected applicants will be able to participate in a unique music residency programme 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.

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.

About the residency

The reciprocal music residency programme 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 and sketches, you may want to take the next steps – receiving some constructive feedback and preparing your project for professional mixing and 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 from 30 October to 12 November, and Tanzanian artists will be hosted by Santuri in Nairobi from 13 to 27 November. The residency lets you manage your own time, but also includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, workshops on performance, mixing and mastering. Transport and accommodation will be provided, as well as a daily stipend of 1 500 Kenyan shillings (about $10)

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, Ableton Adam Audio, Behringer and 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.

Application process

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 revitalising traditional music from Kenya and Tanzania using contemporary music production.

Artists who already have demos, or live shows under production are encouraged to submit their application by 30 September 10pm EAT.

Application should include the following files in a Google Drive Folder with the following title (First Name, Last Name - Uvumbuzi 2023):

• Brief artist biography and 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 five tracks or five performance videos is required. (MP3, MP4).
• Works in progress (WIP)/demo recordings that you intend to finalise during the residency. A minimum of four 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 and Ajabu Ajabu. Due to the high number of applicants, only successful applicants will be contacted a second time.

View the original call here.