Exploring the Global South’s Music through ORNA Create Culture Remixed Programme

In today’s music world, there's a growing commitment to spotlighting artists from the Global South on an international stage, sharing their unique sounds and cultural backgrounds that might otherwise go unheard. The ORNA program stands at the forefront of this movement, collaborating with artists, music ecosystems, and showcase events to promote talented musicians worldwide. This article delves into the partnership between ORNA, AFEST, and Bridges for Music and highlights how remix culture fosters cultural preservation and reimagines heritage for global audiences.

ORNA's Purpose: Expanding Global Reach for Artists from the Global South ORNA’s mission is clear: to create pathways for artists from the Global South to connect with international audiences. Through collaborations and partnerships, ORNA helps emerging artists gain visibility and access to broader markets. Some of the main components of ORNA’s approach include:

• Collaborating with Established Artists: ORNA teams up emerging talent with well-known musicians, facilitating collaborations that expand audiences and build credibility for the artists. These partnerships are invaluable for networking and often lead to long-term industry relationships.

• Showcasing Talent Across Regions: ORNA organizes live showcases throughout the Global South, allowing artists to perform for diverse audiences. These events are more than entertainment—they encourage cultural exchange, community engagement, and industry connections.

AFEST: A Core Event on ORNA’s Tour

One key event in ORNA’s showcase series is AFEST, an integral part of what ORNA calls the "ORNA Tour." AFEST spans various regions in the Global South, spotlighting artists who bring unique sounds and narratives to the stage. At AFEST, musicians gain local and international visibility, foster connections with communities, and celebrate the vibrant, dynamic energy of Global South music.

Strengthening ORNA’s Ecosystem

To support local talent, ORNA partners with established networks like Bridges for Music, a nonprofit that identifies and nurtures promising artists in the music scene. This collaboration brings high-calibre artists into the ORNA ecosystem, sourced from regions such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana. Some of these Ecosystems are CTEMF, Botswana Business, Inscape College, Bambata Network, and YUCI(Youth United Council of India). By integrating artists with proven local success, ORNA amplifies its impact, strengthening connections within the Global South and enabling unique musical voices to reach global stages.

Remix Culture: Preserving and Reimagining Cultural Artifacts

An essential element of ORNA’s work is its emphasis on fostering collaboration and working across borders. Remix culture is a form of collaboration that allows artists to work across physical spaces, borders, ages, and time. Thus, ORNA's remix culture particularly focuses on regional sounds and genres, with a strong infusion of cultural references and knowledge into the music.

Remixing is both a creative expression and a method of cultural preservation, allowing artists to reinterpret traditional songs through a regional lens. This approach breathes new life into classic tracks, making them resonate with today’s audiences. For example, the Soweto Gospel Choir’s remix of the iconic electronic track "Good Life" by Inner City adds a vernacular twist that reflects South African culture, allowing the song to connect with local listeners while honoring its global roots. Remix culture, therefore, offers a powerful way for artists to celebrate heritage while innovating within the music industry.

Cultural Exchange: Building Connections Through Music

ORNA champions cultural exchange by encouraging artists to draw on their own backgrounds, stories, and cultural influences. This exchange transcends music, promoting shared heritage and diversity across regions in the Global South. Through remix performances and live events, ORNA fosters a movement that bridges diverse cultural narratives, creating meaningful cross-border connections.

Mentorship and Collaboration: Empowering Emerging Artists

Mentorship plays a vital role in the ORNA ecosystem. By pairing emerging artists with seasoned musicians, ORNA facilitates cross-generational collaboration that provides young talent with industry insights and mentorship that would otherwise take years to acquire. For instance, ORNA producers got an opportunity to work with a renowned artist Dennis white of House of Latroit, Grammy Custodian. This rich and valuable exchange offers emerging producers exposure, credibility, and opportunities to introduce their sound to a larger audience.

Driving Economic and Social Impact Through Strategic Partnerships

ORNA’s efforts extend beyond music creation; they aim to boost social and economic growth in the Global South. Through collaborations with partners like Bridges for Music and local networks, ORNA helps artists connect with funding opportunities, networks, and new markets. Events like AFEST act as hubs for these interactions, demonstrating how a structured music ecosystem can benefit both artists and local communities by generating economic opportunities and fostering cultural exchange. Unforgettable

Experiences: Showcasing Talent at AFEST

AFEST is more than just a performance—it’s an immersive cultural exchange that brings together artists, fans, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Featuring live performances, remix showcases, and networking spaces, AFEST is designed to create resonant experiences that strengthen the bond between the world’s music communities and build cultural bridges that transcend borders and industry. ORNA’s

Vision: Shaping the Future for Global South Artists

Through its dedication to mentorship, cultural preservation, and international expansion, ORNA is creating a music ecosystem where emerging artists can stay rooted in their cultural identities while gaining global exposure. As ORNA continues to expand, its mission remains steadfast: to foster an inclusive music industry that elevates the stories, voices, and talent of the Global South. ORNA is focused on creating platforms across borders while fostering opportunities for cultural innovation—shedding light on the leaders of the future who will illuminate the path forward.

This vision comes to life through performances by the Bridges for Music Choir, DJ Siphe, and Some.Unique.Individual of Stagnot, each embodying the fusion of tradition and modernity that defines ORNA’s approach.

About ORNA: ORNA empowers young people (ages 16-35) from seven nations through music and entrepreneurship. This program combines music education with self-discovery, artistic expression, and social impact. Participants build their musical skills, gain entrepreneurial knowledge, and join a network of like-minded individuals, working on projects with potential for global exposure.