Kilele is East Africa’s first and only summit for music, tech and culture. Established to platform artists and collectives from the region working in diverse, under-represented styles from the folkloric to the futuristic, Kilele mixes panels, presentations and workshops with installations, showcases and after-parties over six thrilling days in The Mall, Nairobi each February.
Who is it for?
Kilele is for everyone curious about what’s happening on the fringes of mainstream culture. We welcome open-minded artists, partners, and guests who want to meet and share with others.
We work with partners from Europe to platform new music technology in East Africa, giving artists and producers in the region direct access to tools and innovations that much of the Global North takes for granted.
We engage with activists, academics, and thinkers to seek new perspectives on music culture and its potential.
We connect with subcultures from around the region and the globe — from traditional coastal Kenyan performers to cutting-edge electronic producers, sound artists, singers, bands, and more — we are far more than an electronic music summit.
What to expect?
- Thrilling showcases highlighting the East Africa region’s more adventurous and under-represented artists, collectives and movements, with international guests providing perspectives from the global underground.
- Conference sessions including panels, presentations, roundtables and readings around music, tech and culture.
- Installations from artists working in mixed media
- Film screenings from global subcultural allies
- New works via Kilele-supported residencies and collaborations
- Workshops on music technology, including the return of the Instrument Makes Lab
- Networking and community building
