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Hey Fam!
Missed us? Well we are back from our ‘Sweater SZN’ hibernation and are gradually gearing up for a new SEMA Intermediate cohort among other Santuri activities. So here’s the 411
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As mentioned in our last newsletter, our operations were scheduled to run on a reduced capacity for the past couple of months as our staff took a breather having run consecutive SEMA programs with little to no breaks since we started. Nonetheless we were still open and accessible to the community offering Electronic Music Production (EMP) workshops open to SEMA Alums and the public.
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More live music this week, as Sisian performs live for her debut EP at Unseen Nairobi. Those who have seen her perform before know they are in for a treat! The EP is titled “EMO NEMO”, and you can read about it below! Show starts at 7pm. Entrance is free but there is limited capacity. First come first served!
“EmoNemo is a three-fold story that speaks on the individual wanderings of losing & finding, discovering & accepting one’s ever-evolving idea of The Self. The stripped down songs are delivered through Sisian’s current obsession with live vocal loops, accompanied by a revisiting of her musical roots in piano playing and performance. EmoNemo represents evolution, vulnerability, and captures her surrender to exploring new sonic styles & (e)scapes.”
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In other music community news, electronic music heads should note that Budalagi is making some select tracks from his discography available on all DSPs from this Friday. His essential groovy number, “Kulonkoi” is slated to go up first. For those who already got the heaters like “Steam Train”, “Tundra” & “Makongeni looks like L.A.” from his Bandcamp, they’ll now be available for our streaming pleasure
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On the international front, our friend Nyokabi Kariuki will be performing music from her debut EP, ‘peace places: kenyan memories’, live for the first time at Gaudeamus in the Netherlands. The EP will be reimagined for a live context, but wholly grounded in the field recordings that are so special to the record.
The Kenyan artist spoke to our students about her approach to music during one of our “Jadili” panel conversations on experimentation earlier this year. We hope to share a video of this very soon via our Youtube channel.
“The work of Kenyan composer Nyokabi Kariũki is illuminated by musical sensibilities and philosophies from her African upbringing. Based between Nairobi and the USA and trained in Western classical contexts, Nyokabi shares a unique and affecting artistic voice spanning various genres. Her sound moves between experimental and classical contemporary, sound art and explorations into (East) African musical traditions. At Gaudeamus 2022, she will present her debut EP peace places: Kenyan memories, which received praise from The Guardian, Pitchfork, and others, together with the Cello Octet Amsterdam, percussionist and electronic artist Matt Evans, and vocalist Alev Lenz.”
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If you know Santuri, then you know how passionate we are about East African music and culture. The most interesting festival in the region is happening this September so we highly recommend you start planning for it. Our team will certainly be there to enjoy the groundbreaking sounds, traditional music and amazing Ugandan street food.
The global pandemic didn’t manage to shut down Nyege Nyege, it made it stronger. For two years Uganda was under total lockdown, but Nyege Nyege did not rest, producing more music than ever and holding a massive hybrid festival followed by over 8 million people in 2020, connecting scenes across the Continent and keeping the movement strong. This year, Africa’s most adventurous festival (The Wire), the world’s best electronic music festival (FACT) and Uganda’s event of the year returns to the shores of the Nile in Uganda, on a new site at the majestic Itanda Falls. With a special focus towards new hybrid sounds from the Diaspora, music from the Caribbean and the most exciting acts in Africa, this promises to be a historic edition.
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Due to popular demand, SEMA Film Club returns! People inside and outside of Santuri have been asking for more music-themed screenings, and we’ve been requested to share our film curation with people who are not SEMA students. Therefore, we are now making these free, entertaining (and often educational) events open to the public!
Last week, we explored Jazz through film, with a documentary on Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes. The dance floor was kept hot after the screening by Huilly Huile & DJ Coco Em.
On the big screen this week 27th August - we take you to the coast with a screening of “Zanzibar Music Club”, a documentary that pulls viewers into the world of Taarab, and the Muslim culture surrounding it. The film is a great meditation on the country's cultural heritage and it features a who's who of Taarab artists including midwife, healer and Taarab singer Bi Kidude.
Afterwards SnSe & DJ IV will be holding it down for Unseen Jams!
No RSVP for this event. Doors to the theater will open at 5pm, and the screening will begin at 6pm. It is worth showing up on time - seating in the theater is limited!
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Check out our latest shows from our continuing residency on Ghana based Oroko radio!
On our latest episode you’ll hear a mix by Huilly Huile featuring tracks by East African artists Mars Maasai, RVMP, Sam Mbugua, MC Redbul, Menzi, Manthematiks & more.
We then delve into Kenyan folk artist Joseph Kamaru and the history of the Kenyan music landscape, courtesy of Jimmy {Real Vinyl Guru} and KMRU.
Also lined up is an avant garde guest mix by DJ Raph, featuring local sounds by Mr. Wasengo, Munyasya, Mr. LU and KMRU, a Nyokabi x 7head0 Work In Progress & more. Our next show goes live on August 16th 2022.
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Take a look at some of the highlights from the last edition of the Mist held 2 weeks ago. On the bill was Mr. LU* accompanied by the XPRSO. crew and it was nothing short of amazing. Their distinct sound carried through all night, and we heard original productions by Santuri team member Kimina!
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The next edition is scheduled for this Friday the 26 with Acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer Sven Kacirek reopening the Mist with live, human electronics and subtle, healing selections. Sven has worked with local artists such as Olith Ratego under the duo ODD OKODO and was involved in a SEMA Advanced course workshop on polyrhythms earlier this year.
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But before we hit The Mist, pregame with us at our Santuri Sundowner residency happening every Friday at Jenga Jungle, Westpark Towers, 12th floor. Enjoy a rotation of Alums interspersed with Staff with this Friday the 26th being held down by our Alum Addiktive Sounds. Come soak in the sunshine and enjoy some of the best views of the Nairobi Skyline.
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Ni hayo kwa sasa.. muwe na wikendi njema!
– Team Santuri –
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