Open call: Music Composition Residency in Kenya

The residency will focus on nurturing originality, refining individual artistic voices, and exploring ways to integrate traditional Kenyan sounds into contemporary music. Areas of emphasis include originality in composition, voice identity and texture, musical structure and arrangements, and the use of cultural inspiration drawn from local traditions and instruments.

Participants will take part in workshops, collaborative sessions and mentorship, with the aim of strengthening both technical composition skills and artistic identity. According to the organisers, the programme seeks to encourage music that reflects Kenya’s cultural heritage while also engaging with international audiences.

The residency is open to professional musicians, new talent and other creatives interested in advancing their skills. Only 10 places are available. Successful applicants will be required to pay a residency fee of KSh 20 000 (about $155), which covers the four-day programme.

“We warmly invite professional musicians, emerging talents, and passionate creatives to take part in this transformative program,” a statement reads. “Together, we will shape new sounds that carry the essence of Kenyan culture into the future of music.”

Interested musicians can apply by sending their details to [email protected].