Aspiring Music Producers, DJs, and Musicians are invited to apply for an intensive workshop by Goethe-Zentrum on electronic music production and recording of traditional instruments. The workshop will be facilitated by DJs and music producers Alai K (Kenya), Benjamin Lebrave (Ghana) and Michael Dela Gafatchi (Ghana).

About the Workshop:
The impact of technology on the creation and the spread of music in and out of Africa has been recognized and well documented, yet the tools it encompasses are not always used to their full potential, and the music itself is too often dismissed for its uniformity, lack of originality, and lack of quality. The workshop will focus on the possibility of using machines in innovative ways in order to express originality and depth.

During the first session facilitator, Alai K. will give practical demonstrations and hands-on insight into recording traditional instruments. For this session, a musician will be present to play the instruments to be recorded. In the following sessions on music production, which make up the second part of the workshop, these recordings can be used as samples.

As a second focus is to give overviews of available modern production tools, such as production software, hardware, and main production techniques, as well as of current African music landscapes. These include the role and place of pop music vs niche/ alternative scenes, including folklore and its modern manifestations. Participants will explore techniques of how to use machines to express originality and depth on the one hand and a more uniform sound on the other hand (autotune, compression and sound quality, song writing and song structure). Following up on the previous section, participants will be guided into sharpening basic production techniques. Together with the facilitators, participants will also look into the creative roles of artists and producers, how to get the best out of this interaction, especially in terms of differentiation. An important question to be answered eventually is how these blocks fit in with local sounds, traditions, and public expectations.

Date: September 6th – 8th, 2017
Place: Goethe-Zentrum Kampala/ Ugandan German Cultural Society (Plot 52, Bukoto Street, Kamwokya)

How to Apply:
Send a letter of motivation (1-2 pages) including a short summary of your CV and your experience in the field of Djing and music production to cultural@goethezentrumkampala.org before 30th August 2017. A maximum of 12 applicants will be accepted.