Theme for 2026 - Sound and Solidarity

Going into the 3rd edition of Kilele, we thought deeply about how we got here, and what are some of the core ideas that make us all want to endure the long and hard process of making it happen. We are a non-profit entity, barely covering our costs and fighting for an ever shrinking pot of money for cultural endeavours. Some of the key questions we asked ourselves were:

What do we celebrate? What do we offer? What do we want to provide? Who are we in this with? Why are we doing this?

We don't really have a definite answer to all these, but some thoughts came up in the process and iut of this we tried to build a theme that encompasses this feeling:

Kilele brings together artists, collectives and dreamers under our Sound and Solidarity theme for 2026. The gathering will hear from artists, technologists and culture workers from across the board (but particularly on the fringes), people exploring new approaches, fresh takes, and exciting collaborations to envision a better future. Our programme will incorporate projects that directly build links between generations, locations, technologies, and collaborative expressions, rooted in care and respect. We are driven by ideas and action, not metrics or marketability. Reclaim culture and join us in sound and solidarity at Kilele 26.

Read more about our process on the official Kilele Substack

What is Kilele?

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

Kilele around the web

Follow us on our other channels to stay updated with the latest news and announcements:

Kilele Substack - subscribe to our Substack to get the latest updates
Discord - get in touch with us and other members of the Kilele Community through our Discord channel
Instagram- @kilelesummit
Youtube - @KileleSummit