From April – October 2024 I led a listening and sounding workshop at Munyu, an experimental art space in Nairobi. This workshop, initially focused on the colonial impact on listening and sensing practices. It took place every week in an open group format, some weeks we were many other times we were just a few. The topic soon shifted toward exploring the dynamics between individual and collective sound-making. We discussed sound and its relational qualities, how it impacts the body, how we deal with insecurities, how we send and receive. We discovered in practical exercises how our voices could merge with others, creating a powerful collective resonance while retaining our unique sonic identities. This experience underscored the relational quality of sound and its ability to bridge individual and collective expression.

The workshop cumulated in a group exhibition in the space, where 12 artists and workshop participants showed works dealing with sound. The exhibition with the title Sonic Mass explored the exhibition space in a way that imitated a sonic environment rather than a traditional art space. The art works, installations, moving images, scores, performances) would emit their sound in the space, be in conversation with each other, interrupt each other and add to each other. A physical and sonic space was composed. As an exhibition guide we developed a listening and sounding score together in the workshop. This score printed on postcards should encourage visitors to experience the artworks by not neglecting their own agency in the space. A process table in the first room showed the artists ideas and additional texts and materials from the workshop.

Sonic Mass was Show from 4th – 31st of October @Munyu. in Nairobi.

Participating artists: millitantA, The Jehovas, Sophia Bauer, Jonathan Gathaara Sölanke Fraser, Natasha Khanyola, nonimuthoni_Generali, Sammy Mutinda, Collins Ndiangui, Jepkorir Rose, Milango Sanaa, Tizzita Tefera, Gathigia Warui, and Adam Yawe.

For more details about workshop and exhibition visit: Munyu.
Listen to an excerpt from the workshop session on 31/5/24.