The University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Kabarak University in Kenya have officially partnered to launch the African Musicology Institute (AMI), a landmark initiative that marks a new era of pan-African scholarship, cultural preservation, and academic entrepreneurship. On 4 September 2025, the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UNIVEN campus, establishing AMI as the first African institute fully dedicated to the study, documentation, and celebration of Africa’s rich musical heritage. This significant signing ceremony was led by the UNIVEN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, and the Vice-Chancellor of Kabarak University, Prof Henry Kiplangat.
L-R: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UNIVEN, and Prof Henry Kiplangat, Vice-Chancellor of Kabarak University, exchange a handshake following the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions
The partnership is built on solid academic ties. Beginning with a 2023 delegation visit led by Prof Nthambeleni to Kabarak University and strengthened by prior collaboration between Prof Geoff Mapaya of UNIVEN and Prof Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama of Kabarak University, who have co-su-pervised postgraduate research on indigenous music across Africa, the AMI formalises an al-ready vibrant scholarly relationship through joint seminars, fieldwork, and virtual engagements.
AMI is designed not only as an academic centre but also as a self-sustaining, revenue-generating institution. It will offer short courses, cultural workshops, certification programmes, and digital content, partnering with creative industries to position itself as a model of entrepreneurial ac-ademia. Importantly, the institute’s outreach extends to the global African diaspora, bridging cultural connections via online platforms and diaspora engagement programmes. A strategic partnership with experts in international development funding will facilitate access to financial support from organisations like UNESCO and the African Union, enabling AMI’s growth and broader impact.
Front row L-R: Prof Tawanda Runhare, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Prof Henry Kiplangat, Mr Botwe Kraziya and Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo
Back row L-R: Prof Jeff Mapaya, Prof Mellitus Wanyama, Mrs Siphiwe Lubisi, Dr Takalani Dzaga and Mr matome Mokoena
Mrs Siphiwe Lubisi (left) ensured that the MoU complies with national regulations and governance stan-dards
Professors Mapaya and Wanyama reflected on their fruitful collaborative academic supervision. Prof Mapaya emphasised the critical importance of aligning new joint PhD programmes with national qualifications frameworks in South Africa and partner countries to ensure legitimacy and recognition. Prof Wanyama reaffirmed Kabarak University’s commitment to high academic standards and mutual accreditation within this Pan-African framework.
As part of UNIVEN’s strategic transformation agenda, AMI will be officially launched on 20 Oc-tober 2025 alongside two other new academic institutes. Prof Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama has been invited as a distinguished guest, symbolising the strengthening academic bridge between Southern and East Africa. Prof Henry Kiplangat of Kabarak University highlighted the initiative as a cultural renaissance, one that ensures African musicology is approached through African perspectives.
The African Musicology Institute represents a bold, innovative step toward honouring African heritage, empowering scholars, and establishing sustainable academic entrepreneurship. From visionary leadership through ongoing collaboration, AMI exemplifies what leadership, culture, and scholarship can achieve together. This milestone underscores UNIVEN’s commitment to ex-cellence and African-centred knowledge production as it embarks on a new academic era.
This partnership stands as a beacon of continental unity and academic innovation, promising to preserve, study, and celebrate Africa’s musical legacy for generations to come.
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
