The Oontz: A self-sustaining electronic music ecosystem is evolving in East Africa

Coming from a fragmented music network with little formal infrastructure, visa restrictions that lock many out of global opportunities, and a public that long perceived electronic music as exclusively for the upper-middle class and non-African communities, artists in East Africa have had to build an electronic music space from scratch with sheer force of will and the community around them. The scene has been bubbling in the underground, away from mainstream consciousness and supported by a close-knit group of diehard enthusiasts cranking out bass-heavy parties and “strange” sounds for small, loyal audiences.

The tides have shifted as global recognition for African electronica, fuelled by Afro house icons like Black Coffee and the explosion of amapiano, shone the spotlight on the continent and encouraged East African audiences to more intentionally seek out the “underground”. 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.

As a result, the influence of East African electronic music continues to spread, with pioneers now gaining global recognition. Nyege Nyege has evolved from an annual festival in Uganda to establishing a booking agency boasting a roster of over 40 artists and DJs that tour year-round. DJs like Uganda's Kampire and MC Yallah, and Kenya's Coco EM and KMRU, who now spend more time globe-trotting than in their home countries.

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Though touring is becoming a more viable career path, this journey for many artists hasn't been without its challenges. One obstacle being the limited working understanding of the visa application process. Additionally, the system seems to be set up against African artists. In 2023 alone, Africans collectively lost £46 million due to rejected Schengen visa applications, a phenomenon termed 'reverse remittances'. Even when an artist is fortunate enough to secure a promoter willing to book them, and perhaps even manage to get a visa, there's no guarantee they will actually make it to their performance. Seasoned touring DJs like Coco Em continue to face these challenges, exemplified when she was barred from a flight to Cape Verde due to what was ultimately an act of discrimination.

Amidst these challenges, a silver lining has emerged in recent years; 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.

In less than 10 years, we’ve seen nightlife evolve to not only accommodate but champion The Oontz. The frequency, access, and scale of electronic music events have seen a significant boom, with an explosion in attendees. Live music festivals are now incorporating Afro house DJs as headliners and creating entire stages just for electronic music.

The number and size of the venues are also increasing to meet the demand. What were initially considered niche spaces hosting monthly techno parties for less than 100 people now have up to four events every weekend like Kampala’s Wild Coffee or Nairobi’s Shelter. The Mist in Nairobi has become a cornerstone for the Kenyan capital's alternative music culture — a place where DJs are just as likely to drop gqom as they are jungle, techno, or singeli, reflecting the breadth of sounds that are emerging. New venues are opening up to specifically cater to the electronic music audience like Koda and Masshouse, 1,000 and 5,000-capacity venues respectively in Nairobi. While last year, University of Brighton student Jesse Mugambi was awarded €50,000 to build nightclub in Kenya.

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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.

The list below provides an overview of a few notable figures that form the heartbeat of this ecosystem, ensuring that it continues to grow and evolve.

Santuri East Africa has had a significant impact on the region, nurturing the growth of East African music and its ecosystem. Through its Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA), it offers progressive music education, connecting artists to resources like production facilities and cultural dialogues at its Santuri Salon space. This hub has helped launch the careers of many prominent regional artists, offering opportunities through workshops, residencies, and collaborations. One of Santuri’s standout initiatives is the annual Kilele summit, East Africa’s first music tech and innovation conference. The second edition took place across February 18 to 22, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and pioneers for discussions and networking, further solidifying Santuri's role in shaping the region’s music tech landscape and while staying true to their goal of community building.

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DJ Shock is an electronic music DJ based in Nairobi with experience working as both a vinyl and digital DJ. A graduate of Santuri’s SEMA, an alum of Homeboyz DJ Academy, a founder at the Association of Disc Jockeys East Africa, and a member of the Femme Electronic Kenya cohort. Shock is not only an incredible selector in her own right but is also credited with having mentored and taught some of the most iconic DJs in Kenya.

Wawa Wambui is a seasoned event management expert with over a decade of experience creating unforgettable experiences across a range of events, from intimate club gigs to large-scale festivals with 10,000+ attendees. As a co-founder of Sirens, a monthly female-led event that exclusively platforms female and non-binary DJs, and XOXO, an alternative music event curated in collaboration with the Wana Wake collective, Wawa is leveraging her extensive skills to invest in the electronic music scene. Through her work, she is dedicated to creating space for women in the industry and driving inclusivity within the broader music community.

Hazel Muema is a powerhouse in artist support, having earned her reputation through years of dedication and hard work as a booking manager for prominent electronic music outfits like Koda, Gondwana, and Komplex. Sometimes managing up to four events in a weekend, Hazel's tireless commitment to keeping things running smoothly and ensuring the artists are well taken care of is unmatched. Currently serving as the Booking and Operations Manager for Migati Music - a rising electronic music collective and record label made up of the three siblings; Tina Ardor, MGM and Gabu - Hazel continues to put her expertise to good use for the artists. With a wealth of connections across the continent, Hazel is becoming an indispensable connector and caretaker within the industry.

Renowned for her iconic DJ sets, both in clubs and online, Coco Em’s passion extends beyond the decks, she is also committed to improving artists’ mobility. Through her Pass Pass project she speaks on her touring experiences, shares resources and information, convenes the community for cross-continental connection and lobbies for better travel policy around travel for artists to share their craft towards the ultimate goal of free movement within the continent. Coco Em also co-founded NY4SH N4IROBI, a vibrant club and African electronic sounds party that she co-curates with Badman Bantou.

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Monrhea, a SEMA alum, is a key figure in the electronic music scene. She founded TCHNO, a platform dedicated to building community and supporting techno artists in Nairobi through events, panel discussions, and cross-cultural collaborations. Her work has also seen the bridging of the techno communities in Kampala, like Underground Kampala, and Nairobi through cross-collaboration and co-curation. She also contributes to the Kilele Music and Technology Summit. With a background in event facilitation, she’s worked with Currents FM, curating multi-country online events and providing technical infrastructure for live streaming.

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Shamina is a cultural activist, model and co-founder of Wana Wake and The Mist— Nairobi’s hub for experimental sounds. With a strong commitment to community-building, she’s dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for both artists and audiences. The Mist, one of Nairobi’s most beloved venues, is a testament to her and her partner Raphael Kariuki’s vision and persistence. Despite facing initial challenges, they’ve consistently platformed underground and experimental music, curating authentic experiences that have built a loyal, open-minded audience. Shamina’s work continues to shape Nairobi's electronic music scene, and her contributions have made The Mist a standout venue for both artists and fans alike.

Itsmdnyt is a Ugandan-based artist, journalist, model, and producer who creates Afro techno, electro, and experimental music. She is also the founder and creative director of Midnight Tsunami, a collective that supports artists through freedom of expression and building connections.

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Based in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Arafa is a multidimensional artist who can be found building otherworldly physical spaces at festivals and in the virtual world. Arafa is best known for their awe-inspiring set and stage design for events and festivals across the region from Beneath The Baobabs in Kilifi to Midi Festival in the Pugu Hills Forest of Dar es Salaam, working either independently or as BUILT STUDIO in collaboration with Ugandan-Kenyan designer Tracy Beey. The artistry and attention to detail they bring to their work elevates each stage they work on. In their other life, Arafa DJs under the moniker ARIES, blending high-energy Jersey club, electropop and femme energies to bring the sounds of the ballroom scenes across Europe. They are also the co-founder of audiovisual event ALTÆR.

Originally from Rwanda, ShellQueen is a dynamic and passionate DJ. ShellQueen is a proper East African, hopping back and forth from Kilifi to Kamapala to Dar es Salaam year round. She’s one of the regional touring pioneers having set up multiple home bases in the region, and is now gearing up for her inaugural Boogie in the Bush festival which will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, from May 23 to 25. Boogie in the Bush is set to bring together an eclectic mix of Afrocentric beats, Afro house, Afrotech, kuduro, and dancehall.

These individuals, alongside countless others who often work behind the scenes, are vital to the growth of the ecosystem. As the scene continues to evolve, my hope is that East Africans will remain the architects of their own future.

Marlene Bett is a music industry professional based in Kenya, follow her on Instagram

Blackout Mixmag is an editorial series dedicated to Black artists, issues and stories, first launched in 2020. Our 2025 features are co-guest edited by Kevin Saunderson and Kwame Safo (AKA Funk Butcher). Read all of the previously published pieces here