The second edition of Kilele is set to take place in Nairobi from February 18-22, 2025. Building a reputation for being a melting pot of adventurous music and culture, Kilele pushes the boundaries of technology, innovation and experimentation – blending folkloric traditions with futuristic visions. Produced by Santuri East Africa, this edition welcomes artists and participants from 19 countries, so far.
What’s new for 2025?
This year, Kilele is diving deep into the thematic areas of music and ecology, decolonising instrument design and building communities through sound and music culture. Attendees can expect a lineup of workshops, panels, talks, installations, showcases, parties, screenings and more.
Introducing the Kilele Instrument Makers Lab
The Instrument Makers Lab is a five-day workshop involving creators of kalimbas, nyatitis, xylophones and other ‘traditional’ instruments, linking up with programmers, coders and representatives from global music technology partners such as Ableton and Elektron. Envisioned as a playground for creativity, the results will be showcased during the Summit, offering a glimpse into the future of instrument-making in the region.
Confirmed performers and speakers
Kilele will feature performances, presentations and workshops from an international and regional blend of artists and experts, including Afrique Like Me (Canada), Auntie Flo + Band (UK/Senegal/Kenya), Ngomani (Kenya/Norway), Nilotica Cultural Ensemble (Uganda), SnSe & Rafiiki (Kenya) Mizizi Ensemble (Kenya/Australia/Norway), Nwao (Nigeria/USA), Freekafrolic, (Kenya), Hasira Hasara (Kenya), Astrid Bin (UK), Sammy Karugu & Basile Huguenin-Virchaux (Kenya/Switzerland), Odd Okoddo (Kenya/Germany), Barno (Kenya/UK), Daniel Jones (UK), Sophia Mitiku (Ethiopia/South Korea/Finland), Nana & Zai (Tanzania), DJ Raph (Kenya), Mina (UK), Jane Arnison (Australia), Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza (Zimbabwe), Sisonke Papu (South Africa), Labdi (Kenya), Mashariki Vibes (Kenya), Muha (Mozambique), Christos Michalakos (Greece), with more to be announced in the next weeks.
Tech workshops
Kilele will again welcome international music technology firms to showcase their products, learn from local creators and develop new partnerships. These include:
- Image Line, creators of the ubiquitous DAW FL Studio
- Ableton, makers of Live, Push, Note and Move
- ADAM Audio, Berlin manufacturers of high end studio monitors
- Novation/Focusrite, two of the biggest makes of audio gear from interfaces to drum machines
- Elektron, Swedish creators of hardware drum machines, synths and samplers
- Orchestral Tools, German company producing high end tools for film scoring and production
Partners and collaborators
Kilele 2025 is a project of Santuri East Africa, and is made possible through the support of:
- Roskilde Foundation
- Pro Helvetia
- Goethe Institut
- Australian High Commission
- Music Norway
Collaborations with The Mist, The Clearing, BRVR, Munyu, Creatives Garage, COSMOS / Le Guess Who? and others ensure a dynamic and diverse program, with live streaming of and sound art by Calotropis XYZ.
Kilele is also happy to welcome a new partnership with Africa Rising Music Conference / Paradise Worldwide – along with their partner AlphaTheta, (formally Pioneer DJ). This will take the form of free DJ workshops and panel discussions on independent labels and artist development services.
When and where
February 18 – 22, 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Mall, Westlands, will serve as Kilele’s home base, with additional secret locations for special events.
Community-driven programming
Over half of Kilele’s program is shaped by proposals from its vibrant community. The full lineup will be revealed in January 2025, promising a mix of global and local talent.
Secure your spot
Tickets for Kilele 2025 are now available. Grab yours now to be part of East Africa’s premier music tech and innovation summit.
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For press accreditation, media inquiries, interviews, or further details, please contact: felix@santuri.org
