As part of the perFORM Music Incubator Artist Program, 20 emerging musicians took part in an intensive bootcamp at Snowball Industries. For many of the 20 emerging musicians, this was their first time working in a high-tech professional studio. By accessing Snowball Industries, one of East Africa’s most advanced recording facilities, participants experienced the quality and professionalism needed to compete at industry standards. This access not only elevated the quality of their work but also set a new benchmark for what is possible for upcoming artists in the region.
The program’s design brought together genre-based collaboration rooms, expert producers including Mutoriah, Mbithi, Magaa, Cap, and Dillie, and guidance from celebrated songwriters Ywaya (Watendawili) and Xenia Manasseh. This structured yet creative environment paired technical excellence with artistic mentorship, fast-tracking participants’ growth in ways individual effort could not achieve.
The culmination of this process was Timeless, a professional, multi-artist album. Timeless brings together a wide range of styles, musicians, and themes, making it an album that resonates with any listener at any stage of their life. It is truly ‘timeless’. More than a milestone for the participants, Timeless is also proof of concept. When young creatives are provided with world-class facilities, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, they produce work that resonates far beyond their immediate circles.
At a systemic level, perFORM’s bootcamp illustrates the power of structured creative incubation to strengthen Kenya’s position in the global music economy. It shows funders, institutions, and policymakers that with the right support, emerging talent can thrive, contribute to cultural exports, and build sustainable careers.
In short, perFORM is not just nurturing artists. It is shaping a replicable model for creative sector development in East Africa.
The Timeless Album is now available on Spotify: Click here, Apple Music: Click here, and YouTube: Click here
Photos & Videos
Nairobi Bootcamp Photos: Click Here
Nairobi Bootcamp Highlight Video (General Overview): Click Here
Participant Experiences: Video 1, Video 2
Timeless Album Art: Click here
Artists Participating:
NSB Karis
NSB Marsh
The Mumbua
Solar SImone
