17/03/2025
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Interest in electronic music has been steadily growing in East Africa, and its influence is spreading, with pioneers now gaining global recognition. Though touring is becoming a more viable career path, this journey for many artists hasn't been without its challenges. One obstacle is international visa processes, with the system seemingly set up against African artists. In 2023 alone, Africans collectively lost £46 million due to rejected Schengen visa applications, a phenomenon termed 'reverse remittances'.
Amidst these challenges, a silver lining has emerged; a growing desire within the community to set East Africa up as a self-sustaining ecosystem, independent of the Global North for financial stability and credibility. While artists still aspire to perform on international stages, this is increasingly becoming less of a priority.
This success cracked open the door, and in its wake, East Africa’s own distinct electronic music ecosystem - colloquially known as "The Oontz" - has been taking shape across nations such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In less than 10 years, the frequency, access, and scale of electronic music events have seen a significant boom, with an explosion in attendees.
As the ceiling gets higher - events becoming more sustainable and regional travel more accessible - more individuals and collectives are breaking through to carve out their own space and contribute to the growing community of East African collaborators. This growth has increased the appetite and willingness for mainstream audiences in the region to show up for electronic music events.
Marlene Bett reports — spotlighting some key women and non-binary creatives contributing to the development of the scene.
