Call for applications: Future Sounds Art Mtaani workshop in Kenya

A project by BLEM Entertainment, Future Sounds Art Mtaani edition is a five-day educational and collaborative programme involving skilled producers and local artists from Olooloitikosh in Kajiado County.

The workshop is part of an artist development programme seeking to build capacity and music production that will culminate in a live public performance by the participating artists to the local community on the final day.

This call is part of Art Mtaani, an initiative by the Goethe-Institut Nairobi to make the arts scene in Kenya more inclusive and diverse. Projects under Art Mtaani are implemented outside of Nairobi or in communities that lack access to cultural programmes and events.

Objectives

• Improve digital storytelling, focusing on alternative solutions and work towards developing a suitable creative ecosystem.
• Share knowledge on better ways to package creative brands, produce, perform live and market music.
• Enhance discoverability of participating artists within the region.
• Foster experimentation by providing a supportive and conducive environment for artists and creators to explore innovative ideas and push the boundaries of music and sound.
• Foster a culture of shared creativity and cross-pollination of ideas. This will be realised through the workshops where the artists and producers will work together to create music.

Project output

The project will highlight creative aspects of participating artists through:

• Five-piece sample pack
• Two-track EP

Five-piece sample pack

These outputs will highlight the sonic beauty and authenticity lived by our featured artists.

The sample pack will offer an audio portrayal of the daily lives of the Maa community. It will be a valuable resource for creative individuals, particularly producers, who seek to incorporate these sounds into their work.

By using these authentic sounds, producers can infuse their creations with a rich cultural essence from the Maa community.

Moreover, this pack will contribute to the digital storytelling of the Maasai community, as the sounds from the Olooloitikosh community are not readily accessible to the general public.

EP track recording

The EP embodies a fusion of folk music intertwined with experimental elements, presenting a sonic tapestry that envisions the possibilities when traditional music and culture blend with advancing production techniques.

Set in the imagined future of 2054, the EP serves as a speculative portrayal of the symbiosis between culture and technology, offering a hypothetical glimpse into a world where these two forces converge.

Local concert

The concert will feature a comprehensive display of the creations generated during the workshop, encompassing the five-track sample pack and the EP.

Additionally, there will be a selection of local vendors offering handmade crafts, fostering a sense of community engagement.

To participate, apply here before 7 August.

Project Timeline

• Call out: 15 July to 7 August
• Workshop: 14 August to 18 August
• Concert: 19 August
• Official release: 6 October

View the original call here.