GLOBAL IMPACT MUSICIAN

A TUITION-FREE PROGRAM THAT ELIMINATES BARRIERS BY EQUIPPING ARTISTS WITH THE TOOLS, MINDSET, AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO THRIVE—AS LEADERS AND INNOVATORS ON A GLOBAL STAGE

Group of people playing trumpets in a music class or band practice.
Blue curved line on a black background

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

WE WELCOME YOUNG, VIBRANT, AND PASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO PERSONAL AND ARTISTIC GROWTH

Global Impact Musician is an annual outreach program designed to support and equip emerging artists and community leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania with the skills and global opportunities needed to advance their craft and drive innovation in their local initiatives.

Over the course of a year, participants engage in online workshops and mentorship sessions focused on personal growth, professional development, and entrepreneurial success. In addition, the program offers targeted support to help artists elevate their ideas and bring their creative and entrepreneurial visions to life.

  • BUILD VERSATILE SKILLSETS

    Support artists and community leaders in developing essential skills across personal growth, creative practice, education, and entrepreneurship—equipping them to thrive in today’s interconnected and evolving cultural landscape.

    BRIDGE CREATIVITY AND ENTERPRISE
    Provide practical tools and knowledge to navigate the business side of creative work, including self-promotion, project management, financial sustainability, and community engagement.


    FOSTER LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION


    Cultivate critical thinking, initiative, and creative problem-solving to empower participants as changemakers—driving forward impactful work within their communities and across global networks.

  • ACCESS TO GLOBAL NETWORKS

    Gain direct access to a worldwide community of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—building lasting connections that extend far beyond the program.

    PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP & GUIDANCE
    Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals in the fields of art, leadership, and innovation—tailored to each participant’s unique goals and challenges.

    Monthly meet-up sessions focused on collaborative music-making. Participants will connect, play, and perform in a supportive space that celebrates creativity and community through shared musical experiences.

    GROWTH THROUGH COLLABORATION
    Participate in a supportive, cross-cultural environment that fosters collaboration, shared learning, and mutual inspiration among peers from across East Africa and beyond.

  • CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

    • Official recognition from Global Impact Circle Inc. and Wisconsin University-Madison

    • Credential for resumes and other professional portfolios

    PERSONALISED CAREER PLAN

    • Goal-oriented roadmap for artistic and professional growth

    • Clear next steps for entrepreneurship, performance, or academia

    • A five-year actionable personal and career development plan

    INDUSTRY READY MATERIALS

    • Professional bio, resume, and CV tailored for artistic careers

    • Website & social media strategy (if applicable)

    • Mock interview feedback for real-world preparation

    FINAL PROJECT PORTFOLIO

    • Completed capstone project showcasing learned skills (for selected participants)

    • A detailed project proposal, development strategy, budget and financial model

    NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

    • Access to mentors, industry professionals, and fellow participants

    • Alumni connections & ongoing career support

THE 2025-2026

PROGRAM TIMELINE

This year-long program bridges the gap between artistic excellence and industry readiness success—empowering musicians to build sustainable, innovative careers with skill, confidence, and purpose.

Through structured learning and hands-on application, participants consolidate their skills into a cohesive action plan tailored to their individual goals. Participants are selected through a multi-stage process, including an application and interview, followed by a comprehensive program of mentorship and community engagement.

STAGE 1 — ADMISSION

Applications open: June 1st 2025

Applications deadline: July 5th 2025

Interview invitations sent to shortlisted applicants shortly after.

STAGE 2 — LEARNING

Mentorship sessions run throughout:

August 18th 2025 – June 1st 2026

  • Weekly group and 1-on-1 sessions (online)

  • Monthly in-person check-ins and music-making sessions with our Africa-based team

Teaching concludes: June 1st 2026

Final Showcase: June 12th 2026

STAGE 3 — CAPSTONE RESIDENCY

(By Invitation only*)

Participants demonstrating high levels of effort and growth will be considered for an advanced residency phase.

  • Interview invitations sent: April 1st 2026

  • Decisions announced: April 15th 2026

  • Capstone Residency held: July 12-26th 2026

*Final approval and availability of residency positions are subject to confirmation by the University of Wisconsin–Madison and contingent upon forthcoming program development.

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CURRICULUM

At the heart of it all: a program that equips musicians with the tools, mindset, and support to thrive—as artists, leaders, and innovators.

  • THE ART OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT

    • Orientation, personal growth strategies, and individual goal setting.

  • THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH BLUEPRINT

    • Career mapping, branding, and foundational tools for professional development.

  • MUSICIANS AS EDUCATORS – SKILLS FOR QUALITY IMPACT

    • Pedagogical strategies, workshop facilitation, and creative leadership.

  • PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

    • Practical planning, budgeting, fundraising, and partnership building.

  • FINAL PROJECT – SELF-GUIDED WITH MENTORSHIP

    • Participants develop and refine their final projects with individual mentor support.

CAPSTONE RESIDENCY

Logo for Mead Witter School of Music at University of Wisconsin-Madison, featuring a crest with a red shield and a white 'W' in the center.
University of Wisconsin-Madison logo with red shield and white 'W'
Exterior view of Hamel Music Center with glass facade at dusk, showing the entrance, street, and people nearby.

ON-SITE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Intensive, hands-on training in a professional setting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Collaboration with faculty, industry experts, and peers

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

  • Cross-disciplinary collaborations in music & technology, education, business, media, and health sciences

  • Potential projects include music therapy research, AI, 3D printing, cross-genre compositions, multimedia installations, and community engagement initiatives

  • Personalized mentorship to refine capstone projects

  • Live presentations, feedback sessions, and portfolio evaluations

An auditorium with a stage where a choir is performing, surrounded by seating filled with audience members, and decorated with large circular wall accents in shades of red.

FINAL SHOWCASE & CERTIFICATION

  • Official recognition from Wisconsin University-Madison

  • Completion of a high-impact, real-world project

FACULTY

The Global Impact Musician Program is led by a distinguished international faculty whose diverse expertise reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence, inclusive education, and global impact.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a black off-shoulder top, smiling and holding a violin against a dark background.

    Zeynep Alpan

    EM Program Co-Founder, Violinist, Faculty member in New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center, Co-Founder of the Turkish American Cultural Laboratory

  • A smiling woman with light skin and brown hair wearing a blue button-up shirt, standing in front of a blue wooden wall.

    Taya König-Tarasevich

    EM Program Co-Founder, Flutist, VERITÀ BAROQUE Ensemble Co-Founder, Faculty Member at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

  • African American man with short hair and beard, wearing a blue suit jacket and black shirt, standing outdoors with green plants in the background.

    Levi Wataka

    EM Program Manager, Conductor Nairobi Orchestra and Director at Ekuota Africa, Musical Director of the National Youth Orchestra of Kenya and Assistant Music Director of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra

MENTORS

Students are working with a diverse pool of experienced mentors who offer personalized guidance, feedback, and career insight. Mentors support each student’s artistic and professional goals, helping them refine ideas and navigate their projects with clarity and confidence.

In-person Mentorship Session with Wanjiku Mwotia and Taya König-Tarasevich st KOFISI (August 22nd, 2024)

Q&A Session with Paul Odera, Zeynep Alpan at KOFISI (August 20th, 2024)

  • Paul Odera

    Director of Rugby and Pathway Manager

  • A woman with short brown hair smiling, wearing a white blouse and a pearl necklace, standing inside a building with large windows.

    Emma Morton

    Ekuota Africa - Educational Consultant, EM Mentor

  • Karest Lewela

    Global Products and Services Procurement Director at Publicis Groupe

  • Matthew H. Brown

    Associate Professor in African Cultural Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Author of Indirect Subjects: Nollywood’s Local Address

  • A man with long dreadlocks, glasses, and a beaming smile, wearing a colorful traditional African shirt, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    Harry Kiiru

    PhD Candidate for African Cultural Studies, EM Mentor

  • A man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a black leather jacket over a white shirt, posing against a plain gray background.

    Philip Sheegog

    Co-Founder and Cellist of ARKAI, EM Mentor

  • Portrait of a man with curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue shirt and a black blazer, outdoors with green trees in the background.

    Aaron Greer

    Professor of Film at UW-Madison, EM Mentor

  • A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie smiling at a formal event.

    David Lee Freeman II

    General Manager at Equinox,
    Founder of Orchestra Auditions, EM Mentor

  • A woman wearing a red dress sitting against a dark background.

    Anotonina Sterina

    Soprano, Embodiment,
    Mentor & Coach, Somatic &
    Feldenkrais Practitioner

  • A woman with light skin and brown hair holding a violin against a black background.

    Eugenia Ottaviano

    Violinist Alinde Quartett, EM Mentor

  • Portrait of a young woman with curly hair holding a cello, smiling against a dark background.

    Angela Lobato

    Cellist, actor, Founder of Thaleia
    and Chaconne Ensemble

  • Woman with curly dark hair wearing a bright pink blazer with white trim and gold buttons, standing outdoors in front of a rocky background.

    Sol Dalia Armukarker

    Freelance Musician, EM Mentor

  • Luis Herrera Albertazzi

    Percussionist and Assistant Director of Concert Services, Boston Conservatory at Berklee

  • Dr. Wanjiku Mwotia

    Educator

  • Humphrey Sipalla

    Editor-in-Chief, Kabarak University Press

  • Elina Medvedeva

    Business Owner, Finance Specialist

  • Joshua Cockream

    Lawyer

  • Dr. Geissy Araújo

    Neuroscientist

  • Jeremy Weiss

    Baritone, Performer, Creator

  • Dr. Kevin Riordan

    Counseling Psychologist and Educator

  • Ilana Schroeder

    Violist and Musicologist at University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Lea König

    Psychologist and Pianist

  • Ana Silvestru

    Music Producer and Educator

  • Dr. Elio König-Tarasevich

    Physicist and Professor at University of Wisconsin

  • Ehren Valmé

    Arts and Finance Professional

2025-2026 STUDENTS

Our student cohort brings together a group of highly motivated, talented individuals from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Their backgrounds span a rich spectrum of disciplines, including music education, technical practice, science, entrepreneurship, performance, and folklore traditions. Each participant contributes a unique perspective and a shared dedication to creative and interdisciplinary exploration. We take great pride in the cohort’s continual growth and are excited to celebrate the milestones they achieve throughout—and beyond—the program.

  • IBRAHIM ABDI

    FRENCH HORN, KENYA

  • IAN AKHUYO

    ACOUSTIC GUITAR, KENYA

  • KABUUBI AKRAM

    AFRICAN DRUMS, UGANDA

  • A man with long dreadlocks, glasses, and a beaming smile, wearing a colorful traditional African shirt, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    IRENE SOPHIE AKULLU

    GUITAR, UGANDA

  • A man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a black leather jacket over a white shirt, posing against a plain gray background.

    FRANCIS ANYWAR

    AFRICAN DRUMS, UGANDA

  • Portrait of a man with curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue shirt and a black blazer, outdoors with green trees in the background.

    HANIFA CHELAGAT

    ALTO SAXOPHONE, KENYA

  • A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie smiling at a formal event.

    NAKIBUULE CLAIRE

    SAXOPHONE, UGANDA

  • A woman wearing a red dress sitting against a dark background.

    MUGISHA CONFIDENCE

    TRUMPET, UGANDA

  • A woman with light skin and brown hair holding a violin against a black background.

    CYRUS EDARU

    PERCUSSION, UGANDA

  • Portrait of a young woman with curly hair holding a cello, smiling against a dark background.

    TANA GACHOKA

    VOICE, KENYA

  • Woman with curly dark hair wearing a bright pink blazer with white trim and gold buttons, standing outdoors in front of a rocky background.

    TIGIST GETAHUN

    VIOLIN, ETHIOPIA

  • EYUEL GETANEH

    TROMBONE, ETHIOPIA

  • THIERRY HENRY ISHIMWE

    PIANO, RWANDA

  • MPIINDI JAMES

    TRUMPET, UGANDA

  • SHARON JEWRENCE

    CELLO, KENYA

  • KILANDE NATASHA JOY

    TENOR HORN, UGANDA

  • TONNY KAMARACHI

    TUBA, UGANDA

  • BRIAN KIDEGA

    TENOR HORN, UGANDA

  • MERCY KIMANZI

    PERCUSSION, KENYA

  • MUMBERE KISAMBI

    BASS GUITAR, UGANDA

  • LEMECK KWENA

    PERCUSSION, KENYA

  • DANIEL KYAMA

    KEYBOARD, KENYA

  • HAROLD LUKYAMUZI

    CORNET, UGANDA

  • BARRACK LWANGA

    PERCUSSION, KENYA

  • JOSEPH MAKANDA

    OBOE, KENYA

  • ESTHER MAUKA

    BASS GUITAR, KENYA

  • HOPE MKIWA

    PIANO, KENYA

  • MUSHAGA FREED

    GUITAR, UGANDA

  • NARA JA MUSTS

    AFRICAN DRUMS, UGANDA

  • MUHONJA MUJEGA

    VOICE, KENYA

  • ERIC MUNGUFENI ADROA

    GUITAR, UGANDA

  • DIEUDONNE MURENGEZI

    PIANO, RWANDA

  • ISAAC MWANZIA

    PIANO, VOICE

  • FLORENCE NAKACHWA

    EUPHONIUM, UGANDA

  • SHUKRA NAMBWERE

    GUITAR, UGANDA

  • EVERTON NDIAWO

    CLARINET, KENYA

  • SONIA NG'ANG'A

    VIOLIN, KENYA

  • URSULA NYAVVEYA

    CELLO, KENYA

  • GLORY NYANGUSI

    SONGWRITER, TANZANIA

  • MARLINE OCHIENG

    VOICE, KENYA

  • JULIUS OCHIENG

    VIOLA, KENYA

  • ENOCK OKECHA MUKISA

    TRUMPET, UGANDA

  • JULIUS OKELLO

    DOUBLE BASS, KENYA

  • JOHNSON OLOO

    PERCUSSION, KENYA

  • ANN OMOLLO

    FRENCH HORN, KENYA

  • WILTON ONYANGO

    FLUTE, KENYA

  • DAVID OTIENO

    VIOLIN, KENYA

  • WYCLIFE OTIENO

    BASSOON, KENYA

  • JOY OTIENO

    GUITAR, KENYA

  • DILAN OTIENO

    VIOLIN, KENYA

  • ELVIS OTIENO

    SAXAPHONE & FLUTE, KENYA

  • SOPHIA OTIENO

    CLARINET, KENYA

  • JOSEPH JUMA

    PIANO, KENYA

  • LEWINSKY ATIENO OWINO

    CLARINET, KENYA

  • MOURIS SEKIRANDA

    TROMBONE, UGANDA

  • JEAN SIIMA

    VOICE, UGANDA

  • TRACY SITATI

    CLARINET, KENYA

  • MICHAEL SPENCER

    CLARINET, KENYA

  • ISAAC WANDEMBA

    GUITAR, UGANDA

  • JOEL WATATUA

    TRUMPET, KENYA

  • BARBRA WERE

    TUBA, UGANDA

PROGRAM UPDATES

Featured
Global Impact Musician Program Completes Module 1: The Art of Self-Development
Global Impact Musician
Global Impact Musician Program Completes Module 1: The Art of Self-Development
Global Impact Musician

The Global Impact Musician (GIM) Program has completed Module 1: The Art of Self-Development, empowering emerging African artists to build resilience, confidence, and leadership. Through mindfulness, embodiment, and mentorship, 90% of participants applied new skills directly to their careers. As the program moves toward its 2026 Capstone Residency at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, GIM continues to nurture purpose-driven, transformative artistry.

Global Impact Musician
A New Sound Begins: Global Impact Musician Program Launches with Kick-Off Week at KOFISI Nairobi
Global Impact Musician, KOFISI Centres
A New Sound Begins: Global Impact Musician Program Launches with Kick-Off Week at KOFISI Nairobi
Global Impact Musician, KOFISI Centres

The Global Impact Musician (GIM) Program launched at KOFISI Nairobi, bringing together 65 emerging artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia for a week of creativity, leadership, and collaboration. Hosted in KOFISI’s dynamic workspaces, the Kick-Off Week introduced participants to the program’s five modules and mentorship network, blending artistry with entrepreneurship and social impact. Culminating in a vibrant concert celebration, the event marked the beginning of a transformative journey that will continue toward the 2026 Capstone Residency at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Global Impact Musician, KOFISI Centres

KICK-OFF WEEK AND INAUGURAL CONCERT

AUGUST 2025

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OUR PARTNERS

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Music Education program is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. Faculty explore diverse areas such as educational policy, equity and inclusion, music history, popular culture, and philosophy. The program is dedicated to promoting inclusive, socially conscious, and globally relevant music education.

KOFISI Centres Africa

KOFISI Centres is a leading network of premium flexible workspaces across Africa, designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and productivity. With thoughtfully curated interiors and state-of-the-art amenities, KOFISI is dedicated to redefining the modern workplace through design excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable, human-centered growth across the continent.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Thank you for your interest in The Global Impact Musician, a hybrid program by Global Impact Circle Inc. in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

This opportunity is for young artists interested in kickstarting their professional careers and expanding their musical journey across fields such as leadership, education, science, technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact.