Fr.13.06.25

”We are all but slaves to the rhythm...”

That is how Kenyan DJ SnSe describes his passion for Afrocentric jams that get you tapping your feet, bopping your head, and without realizing it, the mystic ones that get you to theatrically dance

SONIC LANDSCAPE

His unique ability to blend and weave through various genres, tempos or styles and still maintain a common theme makes him the perfect addition to any club, party, concert or festival.

Joseph Kamaru, aka KMRU, is a Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist whose work is grounded
on the discourse of field recording, noise, and sound art. His work posits expanded listening
cultures of sonic thoughts and sound practices, a proposition to consider and reflect on auditory
cultures beyond the norms. An awareness of surroundings through creative compositions,

installations, and performances. He has earned international acclaim from his performances in far-
flung locales such as the Barbican, Berlin Atonal, CTM festival, Dekmantel, Le Guess Who and

Tramway. Additionally, his profound releases on labels like Editions Mego, Subtext, Seil Records,
and his own imprint OFNOT. 2022 saw him supporting Big Thief in the UK/EU and touring with
Fennesz in the US. He is a SHAPE artist, received an honorary mention at Prix Ars Electronica 2023
and has an MA in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts. KMRU has carved out a serious and definitive
space on the list of essential authors in ambient- experimental music-one of the most prolific and
innovative artists in his field.

Hailing from East Kingston, Jamaica, Gavsborg is the founder of Equiknoxx/Equiknoxx Music. Gavsborg has been producing for over ten years, with his first success being the Billboard charting single,“Step Out” by Busy Signal.

Gavsborg’s left-field approach to production has afforded him the opportunity to work with a wide variety of artists and labels from different corners of music such as: Sam Morton, Addis Pablo, DDS, Busy Signal and more.

Outside music production duties, Gavsborg has toured extensively, both solo and with the Equiknoxx Collective as a DJ & live music performer making stops all over Europe, Australia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, Africa & Asia.

ARIF Sound System is a genre-bending duo from Nairobi, Kenya, composed of SnSe, a DJ/ producer/ educator, and Rafiiki, a multifaceted singer, songwriter, MC, and DJ. Rooted in the rich traditions of reggae and dancehall, ARIF channels the urban spirit of Nairobi’s youth culture through powerful performances and deep musical storytelling.

Formed in 2025 after a successful residency application,  the pair indulges in experimental productions, creating a unique sonic identity that is both distinctly East African and globally resonant. Their sets are driven by a shared love for sound system culture, fusing live vocals, mceeing / toasting, and heavy rhythms.

With a debut performance at Kilele Showcase 2025, Arif’s mission is to celebrate and reinterpret African heritage—showcasing sounds that echo with Ubuntu, re-ig ition, and rhythm.

Individually, Rafiiki brings a powerful lyrical voice shaped by reggae, hip hop, and RnB. Her songwriting is poetic and rooted in identity, bridging Swahili and English with experimental vocal styles. 

SnSe, on the other hand, is known for his versatile DJ sets, genre-fusing productions, and dedication to building Nairobi’s music ecosystem as an educator at Santuri Electronic Music Academy. He has performed at major festivals like Boiler Room, Nyege Nyege, and Keep Hush—always championing the rhythms and stories of Nairobi’s streets.

Together, ARIF is more than a performance act—it’s a movement to amplify African roots through a modern, conscious lens.

Since beginning her musical journey in 2014, Mina has released several EPs, countless remixes and  her debut album “Flight Paths,” on her own label Earth Kicks. Her vibrant and melodic productions connect the dots between diverse styles,  fusing together sounds from her London hometown, with rhythms from around  the world. Her production style is highly collaborative, releasing music with several forward-thinking producers including Champion, Omagoqa, Dee Traits, Lamsi and anyoneID.  Her DJ and hybrid-live sets are sought after around the world.