Intercultural Media and Music Practice

This two-week workshop culminated in a public concert exploring the intersection of traditional African instruments and contemporary electronic sound practices. Led by Prof. Dizu Plaatjies, participants were introduced to African instruments through a research-based approach, focusing on advanced sound production methods rooted in San cultural heritage. Ethnomusicologist Dr. Paul Rommelaere provided theoretical grounding from an academic perspective.

Lorenz Schwarz and Dr. John Richards guided participants in combining traditional practices with DIY electronics, experimental sound design, and digital technologies, creating new modes of musical interaction. Prof. Theo Herbst examined broader cultural and aesthetic themes, specifically the integration of African sound practices within contemporary media art and performance contexts.

The workshop concluded with a public concert featuring group improvisations that merged traditional instruments, electronic extensions, and interactive sound systems, serving as both artistic expression and platform for reflecting on cultural exchange, musical hybridity, and new sonic possibilities.

Contributing Artists

Dizu Plaatjies, Dr. Paul Rommelaere, Dr. Paul Modler, Senior Lecturer Theo Herbst, John Richards

Production & Documentation

• Production: Theo Herbst, Paul Modler, Lorenz Schwarz

Acknowledgments

Paul Rommelaere

Funding / Support

This workshop was made possible through the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for university students – BWS plus, a programme of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. BWS plus supports innovative cooperative projects between universities in Baden-Württemberg and international partner institutions.

Additional Information

• Workshop Supervision: Lorenz Schwarz, Theo Herbst, John Richards, Dizu Plaatjies