The Horniman Museum and Gardens recently announced the selection of the second cohort for its Musicians in Residence program. This unique initiative aims to connect early career musicians with the museum’s vast Musical Instrument collection, allowing them to create new music and eventually perform live for the audience.
Among the new musicians chosen for the residency is Anti.net, a punk rap and art collective hailing from East and South East London. Known for their disruptive energy and boundary-pushing performances, Anti.net expressed their excitement for the opportunity to collaborate with the museum and explore new creative avenues.
Another talented musician joining the residency is Daniel Tsz-shing Lei, a dizi flautist from Hong Kong. Lei’s distinctive style combines traditional Chinese folk music with modern classical composition, promising a unique musical experience for the audience.
Lastly, Gabriel ‘Sekuru’ Makamanzi, a Zimbabwean mbira player and singer based in London, completes the trio of resident musicians. Makamanzi is dedicated to preserving the rich musical traditions of his homeland, bringing a wealth of cultural heritage to the collaboration.
Over the next six months, these musicians will work closely with the museum’s Curatorial and Community Engagement teams to produce new music, digital content, and live performances. The culmination of their efforts will be showcased at the Horniman Museum Lates event scheduled from February to April next year.
Programme manager Rudi Schmidt expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse talents of the resident musicians, highlighting the range of cultural expressions they bring to the museum. From spiritual traditions of the mbira to energetic punk-rap vibes and contemporary folk-art influences, each artist offers a unique perspective that will enrich the museum’s offerings.
The collaboration between the resident musicians and the museum staff is expected to spark innovative ideas and creative exchanges, shaping the way the institution interacts with its audience. As the musicians draw inspiration from the museum’s collections, the resulting music and performances are sure to captivate and engage visitors in new and unexpected ways.
