The Kilele Summit project was an extensive four-week Conflux workshop series, culminating in a large in-person event with the Kilele Summit as organized by Santuri Org, with ANANSI as operating partners within the Clocktower space in Nairobi, Kenya. We also had a few ANANSI members travel to Mombasa Region and participate in the final event remotely via the Conflux technique at the opening of a new studio with Beneath The Baobabs.

The Conflux represents an innovative art form characterized by the remote tele-production of various artistic expressions. Initially applied to music creation, we have expanded its scope to include visuals and writing. Continuously exploring novel dimensions of this practice, we consider it a true embodiment of “new media art.” The first Conflux was hosted over a period of a few weeks during 2020, and we have since hosted countless sessions across many platforms, formats, tools, and media. This approach provocatively raises the question: How can emerging technologies facilitate collaboration among artists situated in disparate physical locations?

Week 1: Confluxtape

The lesson plan begins with an introduction to the Conflux concept, followed by an overview of gather.town and its functionality. The session covers a broad overview of tools and techniques, delves into the theory and science of audio latency, and explores how to overcome it. The introduction of Conflluxtape includes showcasing infrastructure and explaining its style. The first collaborative rounds are initiated. There is also an option for an in-person lecture for the first session if internet connectivity allows, preferably in the Santuri school space.

Students are tasked with asynchronously working on a track together using BandLab for homework in groups of 2-3, creating one track per person.

Week 2: Conflux Jam

This lesson focuses on the Conflux Jam technique with a brief introduction to online Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) with a specific emphasis on BandLab and Soundation. The concept of Conflux Jam is introduced, highlighting the goal of collaboratively creating a single track during a live session. This format is designed for teaching and learning, providing opportunities for real-time interaction and Q&A as participants take turns working on the track. The class collectively participates in a Conflux Jam, followed by smaller breakout jam sessions.

The homework assignment requires groups of three or more to engage in a Conflux Jam, collaborating on creating live music together.

Week 3: Conflux QP

The lesson plan begins with an introduction to the specific features of Bandlab, showcasing its various functionalities. The session then explores how Conflux QP (Quick Play) operates. In this style, artists work somewhat independently on their own tracks simultaneously, fostering collaboration on multiple tracks within a confined time session producing 1 track per participant. The class collectively participates in a Conflux QP session, followed by breaking into smaller jam sessions.

For homework, groups of 2-3 people create an EP using the Conflux QP technique.

Week 4: Conscendo

The lesson begins with an introduction to tele-performance, covering its history, scientific aspects, and potential techniques. The class then shifts to an introduction to SonoBus and Tele-Midi, followed by a walkthrough on joining and participating in SonoBus sessions. Delves into the theory and science of audio latency, and explores how to overcome it.

The homework assignment requires students to collaborate on creating a track using either SonoBus or Tele-Midi with at least one other student.

Kilele Conflux Event

The final event, which is part of Kilele, provides an opportunity for participants to engage online from various locations worldwide. In this virtual environment, facilitators guide participants through sessions, teaching Conflux concepts in an asynchronous manner. The virtual space will be organized into rooms dedicated to structured sessions and open collaboration, with initial in-person spaces allocated for SonoBus and/or Tele-MIDI. The day begins with an introductory session on Conflux, followed by small teaching groups delving into the techniques taught throughout the 4 weeks. As the session wraps up, participants can join open jam sessions for collaborative music creation. This virtual space will remain open throughout the week, offering access to documentation and information. On the event day, virtual space will be stewarded by ANANSI members, while the in-person event, spanning 3 hours will be staffed by teachers and select ANANSI members.