Sam Karugu & Luna Vassarotti (Kampala-Berlin Residency)

Sam Karugu is always seeking new ways to challenge his listeners and fans with his experimental music. His work blends noise, grindcore, punk, industrial, breakcore, ambient, and traditional African sounds. Whether solo or as part of the duos Duma, Nari, Systemes Bordeliques, and Usura, the self-taught musician, producer, and DJ from Nairobi and Kampala uses his global performances, which he describes as rituals and friendly get togethers, to build a deep connection with his audience. He is currently working on a solo album with Nyege Nyege Tapes.

In her experimental techno sets and productions, DJ/producer Luna Vassarotti incorporates influences from industrial and noise music. With her label Instruments of Discipline, the Berlin native aims to question conventions of genre, presenting a sound that strives for innovation. Her project with August Skipper, Operant, combines contrasting influences such as black metal and psy trance, as heard on their debut album »Traumkörper« (»Dream Body«).

As part of Musicboard’s Kampala-Berlin Co-Creation Residency, the artists are collaborating to develop an exclusive show for Pop-Kultur 2024.