Empowering Musicians Across the Globe
Leaf International partners with local Culture Keepers across Africa to sustain centuries-old traditions of drumming, dance, song, and storytelling. From Kigali to Arusha to Abidjan, these community-owned programs preserve cultural heritage while empowering youth as the next generation of ambassadors.
Africa
Tanzania
Ilboru Secondary School, Arusha | Established 2014
Studio engineer Edward Ndoleli, with more than 19 years in the industry, teaches music production to youth weekly. Students record oral histories and share their passion for music. More than 75 students have graduated and proceeded into music careers. In 2023, the studio collaborated with Rwanda ONEmic on the single "Healing The Community." The single "Mic Cheka" reached FM 93, one of Tanzania's top radio stations. Youth learn traditional instruments like the Zeze and Kalimba, then incorporate them into modern beat-making.
Rwanda
JR Troupe Cultural Center, Kigali | Established 2020
The Rwanda ONEmic helps young artists develop talent and promotes culture and music as a platform for self-expression. It serves as a community resource for local musicians and storytellers, hosting more than 25 recording artists regularly. Producer Manzi Ramadhan composes and records both traditional and modern songs at the studio. "The studio is one of the most important resources in our hood. Artists come here for growth and impact."
Americas
Costa Rica
Bribri First Nation, Talamanca (Mobile Studio) | Established 2013
LEAF's first mobile ONEmic studio. It supports the preservation and revitalization of ancient indigenous music, art, and language within three First Nation communities: Bribri, Ngäbe-Buglé, and Cabecar. Though mobile, it maintains a base in the Bribri Talamanca region. It supports the Houses of Memory initiative, focusing on women's traditional singing (Ajköki), instrument making (Sabák bulâuk), and training in popular music and production technology.
North Carolina
Leaf Global Arts | Established 2015
Initially beginning at Burton St. in 2015, the ONEmic studio evolved to have a permanent home at 19 Eagle St. in 2020. Music and technology come together in real-time as visitors make songs, record stories, and connect with ONEmic Studios around the world. ONEmic artists teach recording, songwriting, Hip Hop Culture, and Intro to DJing. The studio is available for private classes and rentals. Partners include Echo Mountain Studio and The Ben Gradison Memorial Fund.
Caribbean
Haiti
Port-au-Prince | Established 2014
The Haiti ONEmic was started by the demand and interest of students in the LEAF International program. It is one room with one microphone, one laptop, drums, and a guitar — led solely by students. It serves as a resource for youth to share personal stories and use music as a tool of empowerment. In 2019, the Haiti and Tanzania ONEmic studios collaborated on the first-ever ONEmic masterclass with Dirtwire, resulting in a main-stage performance at the 48th Leaf Festival. As student Wendy shares, "Music inspires us because it's about what we are living, what we experience, and what we want to change."
Support More International Exchanges
Leaf International fuels people-centered programs—from providing music instruments to sponsoring children—that empower Culture Keepers to teach local youth their traditional arts. By bridging cultural preservation with global citizenship, we ensure 100% of your gift goes directly to Global Arts education and preservation. Donate today.