Kenyan Women in Music initiative participate at Brazil’s Global Artivism Convening

The session was led by the concert series’ founder, Kenyan musician Christine Kamau, who presented and moderated a panel titled ‘Opportunities for Women in Music in the Global South’. The discussion examined challenges facing women musicians, drew on research into gender and music on the African continent, and explored practical approaches to improving access to opportunities within the industry.

Panel speakers included South African singer Msaki, Sudanese cultural organiser and bassist Islam Elbeiti, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Luma Oliveira. Together, they shared perspectives from their respective regions, highlighting common structural barriers as well as locally driven strategies for change.

The Global Artivism Convening brings together artists, activists, cultural workers and funders to explore the role of creative expression in addressing social and environmental issues. The 2025 edition hosted more than 800 participants from 60 countries across several venues, including the Wish Hotel and other cultural spaces in Salvador.

Reflecting on the event, Kamau described the panel’s inclusion as a significant moment for the initiative. “Participating at Global Artivism Convening was truly a milestone moment for Women in Music Concert Series,” she said. “Contributing towards this much-needed conversation on women in music with a focus on the perspective from the global south is a memorable highlight of our continued efforts to promote women musicians.”

She added that the discussions were likely to have broader impact beyond the convening. “I believe the progressive discussions and connections initiated at Global Artivism Convening in Brazil will also prove to be impactful for other women-focused music projects on the African continent,” Kamau said.

Founded in 2016, Women In Music Concert Series has hosted regular performances at the Goethe-Institut in Nairobi and featured artists from a range of genres. Participants have included Kenyan musicians such as Fena Gitu, Karun and Nikita Kering. The initiative aims to increase representation, build professional networks and expand opportunities for women in the Kenyan music industry.