Get to know a few of the RBMA alumni

This July, 100 participants will convene in Lagos for lectures, workshops, collaborations and live events at the first ever #RBMA session.

Some of those RBMA alumni have gone on to achieve great things and build great careers, including Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus, Lunice, Evian Christ, Tokimonsta, Mr Hudson, Brenmar, Dorian Concept, Teebs, LAO, Aloe Blacc, Nina Kraviz and many more.

Want to know what the hype is all about? We caught up with a few of the alumni and this is what they had to say about the experience.

 Kraftmatiks (New York, 2013)

Award winning music Craftsman “Kraftmatiks” is known for his unique cocktail of music, blending his deeply saturated taste for that old school dusty soulful groove, to his eclectic palate of Hip-hop, EDM, House and R&B vibes, and this is just a peek into the imaginative mind of this Music producer/ songwriter-artiste.  Here is what he said about #RBMA.

About #RBMA

Everyone has fantasies about being a doctor, lawyer, e.t.c but for me I always wanted to be an artiste. At #RBMA, you get to meet people who you inspire to be around. QTip, Quest from The Roots – you are literally breathing the same air as these guys who are your idols.

Being in an environment with next level musicians; like the guy who produced Kanye West’s album, working in unison with these people is amazing. I still relive the experience on a daily basis.

About #RBMA Seminars

The seminars and training were great as it gave me a nudge in the right direction. I always felt like I didn’t fit into the Nigerian music scene. The workshops gave me the confidence to stand out and not be scared to stand out. The sound reinforcement training was awesome.

On now famous alumni

I participated the same year as DJ Slow who was recently featured on CNN’s people to watch, and Simone Jones who is now signed to Universal music – these were all guys from my year who have gone on to do really well.

On how #RBMA has changed his career

This experience was more about reaffirmation for me. When you know you are going somewhere, see people doing where others have said no, it changes your mind set. I went on to tour with the BMX Champion for flat line, Red Bull made that happen.

Advice to prospective applicants

What not to do: Don’t be someone else.

What to do: Apply! If you don’t get picked, apply again. Mode 9 told me about this. He said if I thought I didn’t fit into the Nigerian music scene, that I would definitely fit in with Red bull. I didn’t get in the first time I applied, then, DJ Klem convinced me to reapply and I got in! It really was the best experience of my life!

BLINKY BILL(Tokyo, 2014)

Blinky Bill (Bill Sellanga) is a Kenyan Musician/Producer and DJ and a founding member of the forward thinking Art and Music Collective, Just A Band.

He has played in numerous places around the world including 2017 Design Indaba in Cape Town, SXSW in 2012 and 2015, Paleo Festival in Switzerland, Future Ports Of Entry Festival in 2016 in Germany, TEDGlobal in Rio in 2014 and is just fresh off a 5 country European tour supporting Nigerian-American singer Iyeoka, DJ set in Berlin in May 2017.

About #RBMA

I met people that I would not necessarily have access to which was amazing. Making music in Nairobi can often feel like you are not part of the conversation. It was great to have creative freedom and not have any barriers, we were there to make good music. Flying Lotus, Aloe Blacc, Black Coffee were all part of the Academy.

#RBMA is a growing and evolving family and I still get invites to all the Red Bull events around the world including Sonar Festival. Once you have gone through the Academy, you become part of the family and you will always be invited. It’s something to aspire to.

On how #RBMA has changed his career

Yes, it definitely gave me a good head start. I’m still working but it definitely set me apart, it’s given me a global outlook.

Advice to prospective applicants

Originality! Have something that is unique about you! People with an original sound have a better chance to succeed.

DJ KLEM (2010, London)

In 2009, DJ Klem made history as the first Nigerian to be accepted to participate in the prestigious annual Red Bull Music Academy which he attended in London in 2010 learning and exchanging ideas producers and artists from across the globe including Grammy winners such as Mark Ronson, Jazzie B and Steve Reich.

About #RBMA

I was the first Nigerian participant which was amazing. A lot of people were curious to meet me. Apart from exposing me to other genres of music, it also exposed other people to Nigerian music. It was great to experience the music culture in London but also experience world music through other participants. The experience changed my outlook on music and draw influences from other participants; watch other people create, learn what makes them tick, that type of thing.

On how #RBMA has changed his career

The buzz from #RBMA made my type of music more appealing because of the wider network. It opened the doors to a lot of collaborations. I’ve stayed in touch with with other alumnus. #RBMA puts you on a global network which is important. The knowledge imparted is priceless. You can’t put a price on the endless stream of knowledge that was being shared. I saw a classical pianist and a DJ collaborate to create something special. This only happens at the Academy. That experience and that knowledge is just timeless.

Advice to prospective applicants

Be true to yourself. If there is a question you don’t understand in the application, then be honest about that. Just be truthful and try not to be something you are not!

#RBMALAGOS

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