Call for applications: 'Femme Electronic' workshop in Uganda

13 Jun 2016 - 12:01

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Electronic music may still be in its infancy in Uganda, but women are largely underrepresented in this scene – whether in DJing, producing or other ‘backroom’ positions. A new platform, dubbed Femme Electronic, seeks to change this by encouraging Ugandan women in the field of electronic music by creating a network and sharing knowledge.

DJ Karo, one of the few female DJs in Uganda. Photo: www.bigeye.ug

Femme Electronic in collaboration with the Goethe-Zentrum Kampala are organizing a three-day workshop from 26 to 28 June for female participants to learn from DJs and producers from Uganda and abroad.

Targeting mainly beginners, the two-day workshop will cover topics such as the history of electronic music, women in electronic music and an introduction to DJ equipment. It aims to connect Ugandan women in the field of electronic music to create a strong network of mutual support and to introduce them to the various techniques of DJing as well as music production.

One of Uganda’s best-known female selectors, DJ Rachael, and Germany’s Ena Lind will spearhead the workshop. DJ Rachael needs little introduction in Uganda and is one of the country's top DJs, with a career spanning two decades. She recently told Rhythm Passport: “Electronic music is really exploding here right now and it’s important that women who are interested in the culture aren’t left behind due to a lack of opportunities. We’re making sure everyone gets to participate!”

Ena began as a drummer and percussionist before establishing herself as a producer with a fine-tuned ear and an intrinsic feeling for rhythm. She is the co-founder of Mint, a network for women in electronic music, and a passionate educator who teaches the craft of DJing at the Mint Campus in Berlin, Germany. She has been involved in the underground electronic music scene for more than a decade and her debut single, ‘Ferdinand’, was released in 2014.

Femme Electronic is an initiative of Goethe-Zentrum Kampala, Santuri Safari and DJ Rachael and is still in its early stages. The workshop to be held in Uganda is the first of the many planned activities through which the project aims to provide support and assistance in establishing a community of female DJs, producers and musicians.

How to apply

Interested individuals are invited to send a motivation letter. including your personal details to cultural@goethezentrumkampala.org by Wednesday 22 June.

The workshop is targeting a maximum of 10 participants. Equipment will be provided (by Berlin-based Native Instruments) and there is no participation fee charged.

For more information about the workshop, visit Facebook event page.

Femme Electronic