Introduction
Ketebul Music is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization based at the GoDown Arts Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
The word "Ketebul" means "drum sticks"; it is derived from the Luo language of Western Kenya. This name was a natural choice for an organization that has a vision of an African society that celebrates its cultural identity and also recognizes the special role that artistes play every day in people’s lives.
Our Story
Ketebul Music was established in early 2007 with the ambitious vision to carry out research and promote the diverse fusion of traditional sounds of Kenya and East Africa through the documentation and archiving of the work of musicians who have shaped the various genres of music from the region over the past six decades.
In broader terms, intensive research carried out by Ketebul Music involves the musicians themselves, their families, industry players such as producers and promoters, media personalities, and the market audience.
Memorable archiving is achieved through intensive academic research reports released along with a market-friendly package from each phase of research. The package comprises a shorter, but succinct, popular version of the academic report and is contained in an attractively designed booklet. To reinforce it is an audio CD featuring re-releases of previous recordings along with a video documentary carrying intensive interviews, analyses, stage performances, and archive footage.
Mission & Values
Identify
Actively seek out and recognize the diverse music traditions across East Africa, focusing on both established genres and endangered sounds.
Preserve & Conserve
Meticulously document, record, and archive musical works, oral histories, and cultural contexts to ensure the long-term survival of East African music heritage.
Promote
Champion East African artists and their music on local, national, and international platforms, fostering appreciation and creating new opportunities.
Core Pillars
Community Engagement
Deeply connect with local communities to discover and nurture musical talent, ensuring cultural relevance and sustainable growth from the grassroots.
Artist Empowerment
Provide comprehensive support to artists, including training, production facilities, legal guidance, and market access, enabling them to thrive creatively and economically.
Digital Archiving
Utilize cutting-edge digital tools to meticulously document and preserve East Africa's diverse musical heritage, making it accessible to global audiences and future generations.
Global Collaboration
Forge international partnerships to promote East African music worldwide, facilitate cultural exchange, and create new opportunities for our artists on global stages.
The Studios
Located in Tena Estate, Eastlands Nairobi, Ketebul Music is proud to host two fully equipped analogue and digital studios. These facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of audio production needs, from intricate traditional recordings to modern, high-fidelity sound engineering.
Our studios provide a creative and professional environment where artists can bring their musical visions to life, ensuring exceptional sound quality and a seamless recording experience.
Video Production Wing
Ketebul Music operates a dedicated video production wing specializing in research-based documentaries. Our focus is on chronicling the origins, development, and cultural significance of traditional sounds, music, and the broader culture of East Africa.
These documentaries form an integral part of the cultural archives that Ketebul Music meticulously maintains. Through this audiovisual repository, we process and store invaluable material on the evolution of East African music genres.
Projects by Ketebul Music
The Singing Wells Project
A significant collaboration documenting, preserving, and promoting traditional East African music through extensive field recordings and digital archiving.
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Shades of Benga
A comprehensive project tracing the roots of Kenya’s popular Benga music from 1946 to 2016, enriching our understanding of its evolution.
Explore Project →
Ohanglaman by Makadem
Makadem's vibrant debut album, a powerful blend of traditional Luo rhythms and contemporary Afro-fusion sounds, captivating audiences.
Explore Project →