Nyokabi Kariũki & Alex Hofmann — Body Percussion

During this lecture performance the topic of Body Percussion and Live-Electronics will be explored from multiple perspectives: First, from the artistic perspective of composer and performer Nyokabi Kariũki from Nairobi, Kenya, who is currently working on a longform experimental sound work that will serve as her exploration of the complexities of post-colonial African identity. In this work, she centers herself as a performer on voice and body percussion, the latter of which plays a vibrant role in various folk musical traditions across Africa. Second, from the perspective of live-electronics performer and researcher Alex Hofmann, who is investigating questions of live-electronic performance preparation strategies. Kariũki and Hofmann are currently exploring the intersections of their respective research.

During the workshop, they will demonstrate some of the music they created under this collaboration; where live-electronics are used in conversation with the body, exploring the way the body’s sound can be understood, enhanced, and disrupted. In addition, insights are provided into a custom-made wearable that was designed by Astrid Bin for Nyokabi's performance. Workshop participants will be invited to actively explore body percussion playing techniques during the workshop and are encouraged to develop and discuss new concepts for combining body percussion with live-electronics.

This research was funded in part by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) [10.55776/AR743].