Cornell Spring Break Program in Rwanda – African Popular Music

Overview

Applications open! Join us at the International Fair to learn more

International Fair, Wednesday, August 27, 11am-1:30pm ET, Uris Hall Terrace

Info Sessions:

Wednesday, September 10, 12:30pm ET, Uris Hall G08 (Lunch Provided)
Thursday, September 25, 6:00pm ET, Virtual (Zoom Link)

This immersive course offers students an exceptional opportunity to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to deepen their knowledge of studio production techniques while engaging in vibrant cross-cultural musical collaboration. Open to songwriters, performers, producers, and audio engineers, the course centers around collaborative creation with Rwandan peers, allowing participants to produce original compositions that reflect the diverse influences and techniques of African popular music.

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is quickly gaining international recognition as a hub for innovation, art, and music in East Africa. Known for its reconciliation, security, and progressive cultural scene, Kigali provides an inspiring and accessible setting for creative exchange. Its music industry is thriving, with a new generation of artists and producers blending traditional sounds with contemporary genres like Afrobeat, hip hop, R&B, and amapiano. As a city that bridges historical depth with modern innovation, Kigali is the perfect backdrop for exploring the intersections of music, culture, and technology.

Throughout the course, students will collaborate with local musicians and producers in professional studios, gaining hands-on experience with the tools, workflows, and aesthetics that shape African popular music today. The program emphasizes both in-person and remote collaboration, helping students develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to manage long-distance music production projects - an increasingly valuable ability in today’s global music industry.

By integrating theoretical learning with real-world practice, students will explore the creative possibilities of intercultural musical dialogue. They will also reflect on the ethics of collaboration across cultures and learn strategies for navigating different musical languages, traditions, and technological resources. This experience not only enhances students’ production skills, but also deepens their understanding of how music functions as a medium of cultural expression and connection.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned producer this course offers a transformative experience that combines travel, technology, and musical innovation, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to the global music scene while building lasting international relationships.

Travel Dates:

March 27 (Evening) - April 5, 2026

This program is embedded as part of a spring course. Students will receive one grade for the full course in the spring semester, and travel is REQUIRED as part of this program: