Afro Energy with Karen Nyame KG
Explore the bounce behind Afrocentric Club Music on this creative residency led by the “Goddess of Rhythm”.
- When
- May 2023
- Where
- Manchester
- Deadline
- 12 April 2023
Afro Energy is for artists making or interested in afrocentric club music. Based in the studio at NQ House, you’ll work together to create and record new music in just 5 days.
Led by Karen Nyame KG, who for nearly a decade has been an innovative and percussive luminary of dance music.
You'll also get additional workshops with guest artists Fiyahdred, Ikonika and Gina Jeanz.
This is for you if you’re…
- A producer, rapper, vocalist, instrumentalist or DJ
- Making or interested in afrocentric club music like Amapiano, Kwaito, Kuduro, Gqom, Batida and Afro-House
- Interested in collaborating with other artists to create new sounds
- Aged 18 or over - there is no upper age limit
As the project explores the Queer and Black foundations of electronic music, we’ll prioritise applications from:
- Black/Global Majority music creators
- LGBTQIA+ music creators
To support the Northern music scene, we'll also prioritise applications from people in the North of England (such as North East, North West and Yorkshire regions). However we’re open to hearing from people across the UK.
“We will be celebrating the Queer and Black foundations of electronic music by collectively exploring Afro Club and all of its hybrids (Tribal, UK Funky, Deep and Soulful House, Amapiano and more). Prepare to unpack the formula as we express, vibe, and create some culture-shifting grooves of our own!”
Karen Nyame KG
KG at Boiler Room
Costs
This is a free development opportunity for emerging artists. To help you take part we’ll cover:
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Access costs - for things like disability support, translation or childcare
We can also provide bursaries, which are a contribution towards your time to help you take part. For example, if you have to book unpaid leave from work.
You can claim up to £350 for the duration of the project. Please let us know if a bursary would be useful to you when you apply.
When and where
The residency will take place at NQ House, Manchester from Monday 15-Friday 19 May, 12-8pm.
There'll also be an introductory meeting and workshop with Gina Jeanz on Zoom on Wednesday 10 May, 7-8.30pm.
How to apply
In our application form we'll ask you some basic details, along with the following questions.
- Please tell us about yourself and your music
- What excites and interests you about this project?
- Collaboration will be a major part of this project. Why do you think collaboration is important?
You can either answer these questions in writing, or you can record yourself. If you do this, you'll just need to include links to your video or audio recordings.
The application deadline is 11pm on Wednesday 12 April.
We encourage you to submit your application before the deadline but don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need more time.
You're welcome to apply with support from a personal assistant or carer. If there is anything we can do to help you to apply, please let us know.
Head over to our Google Form to apply.
Nominate someone
If you know someone who you think would be interested in taking part, why not nominate them?
Send the person’s name and email address/social media profile to [email protected] and we’ll send them the application details.
NQ House access information
- Accessible toilet located in the lobby
- Quiet room
- Two steps to access the main entrance. Step free access available through temporary ramps
- Four steps to access the studio area. Step free access available through temporary ramps
- No lift access to upper floors
- Dimmable lights
Safer Spaces
At all of our projects we aim to create spaces that are welcoming, engaging and supportive. Spaces where everyone is able to be themselves, but also where abuse and discrimination are not tolerated.
Read our Safer Spaces Policy for more information.
Got questions?
Get in touch with our Project Coordinator Kinaya by emailing [email protected].
Or you can give us a call on 0161 546 5334. Please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
About Karen Nyame KG
For nearly a decade, Karen Nyame KG has been an innovative and percussive luminary of dance music. Dubbed as the “Goddess of Rhythm”, KG’s plethora of African polyrhythms, low-end sub-basses, and energetic drum patterns are surefire to showcase the evolving sound of London’s club music hybridity and bounce.
Taking cues from a musically rich adolescence, her musical sphere is entrenched with those cut from the same cloth–collaborating with prolific acts across global and diasporic club music genres from South African Amapiano to US Jersey Club. Recently tearing the house down at Primavera Sound Festival with her iconic Boiler Room session, and the guest RA’s first ever filmed Exchange, KG has also turned in widely acclaimed mixes for tastemakers including FACT, Dekmantel, Trippin’, as well as radio shows for BBC 1Xtra, NTS, Foundation FM, Worldwide FM and more.
As well as previously having run a series of production workshops with Red Bull Music, in 2021, KG received a PRS Grant as part of the new PRS Power Up initiative - a long-term initiative created to support Black music creators and industry pro’s, as well as addressing racial disparities in the music sector.
Partners and supporters
Afro Energy with Karen Nyame KG is presented by Brighter Sound in partnership with NQ Legacy and Piano in the City.
Kindly supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Foyle Foundation and PRS Foundation as a Talent Development Partner (supported by PPL).
