Kakuma Studios - Cardano + Music Powered Impact Hub in Kenya with Onboarding Community Potential of 250k+

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sunny Basra

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

Abedi Kalambi Alain

Dr. Simon Peter Victor Otieno

Mbarathi Karuga

Robert Kamanzi Simenya

Quintin Bray-Stone

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Establish self-sustaining multimedia studios for recording in Kakuma Refugee Camp to be twinned with a studio at University of Nairobi, allowing for access to professional resources and opportunities.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The nature of this initiative is intrinsically not open source as it's a physical location within a refugee camp that is exclusively for the use of the impoverished youth who live there.

[METADATA] SDG rating

As the first project of the SoundRig initiative, Project: SIMBA, this proposal seeks to make a significant impact in line with the following UN SDGs;

4 - Quality Education: Through our partnership with Dr. Simon Otieno, lecturer at the University of Nairobi, we will be able to create opportunities for the youth of Kakuma Refugee Camp to learn and gain skills to elevate themselves out of poverty.

8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: We will be creating employment opportunities directly in the establishment of a professional music studio, in addition to training young people in the creative arts so they can produce music and content to be sold as NFTs on Cardano. This will be a new catalyst for economic growth in this refugee camp.

9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: We're addressing this SDG by building a music studio in a refugee camp (the first in the world, ever) and then training the population on utilizing this to produce creative arts (music and film) to be then developed on the Cardano blockchain. This will be the first of many community-powered projects as we learn and develop from each one, starting here.

10 - Reduced Inequalities: The core principle of this project is to build facilities that create equal opportunities in an industry (music) that rarely affords such to people from areas of economic poverty. This is a huge focus of SoundRig, and therefore, Project: SIMBA.

11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: The "Kakuma Studios" will be a self-sustaining social impact enterprise. Our overarching aim is to prove it can be done, and then continue to replicate a proven, working system in all areas that need it around the world.

17 - Partnerships for the goals: Project: SIMBA means Social Impact through Media Business Alliances. A foundational pillar of our existence is directly related to this vital SDG.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our comprehensive solution aims to address the challenges faced by aspiring artists in Kakuma and the broader Kenyan community by establishing a recording studio, namely Kakuma Studios within the refugee camp, and twinning with another existing studio at the University of Nairobi (UoN). The initiative is driven by the recognition of the lack of affordable equipment and web3 access, which hinders creativity and financial opportunities for the 250,000+ individuals in this community.

Kakuma Studios, the world's first recording studio in a refugee camp, focuses on providing professional recording facilities to talented artists in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The fully equipped studio not only empowers aspiring musicians but also promotes artistic expression and preserves diverse cultures within the camp. Our approach uniquely integrates blockchain technology, leveraging Cardano's capabilities and community through the SoundRig platform. This ensures transparent and secure distribution and sales of music, showcasing Cardano's commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and social transformation.

The partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN) adds another dimension to our solution. This collaboration serves multiple purposes, including providing training and work experience for Kakuma artists and studio management. Through continuous mentorship, this program enables the acquisition of additional skills and experience needed to effectively manage the Kakuma studio, and skills for life after the camp. These people want to be free, and this proposal is an effective route to enabling that freedom. Except with the additional benefits of learning and understanding the Cardano and wider Web3 environments. Simultaneously, it kick-starts a valuable collaboration between Kakuma and UoN, laying the foundation for a training program focused on student/artist collaboration.

This initiative not only enables Kakuma artists to create and release music that would otherwise be challenging but also provides an onboarding opportunity for Cardano. All content released via SoundRig on the Cardano Blockchain from both studios opens doors to a new market, stimulating alternative financial avenues for impoverished communities in Kenya. The impact of our solution extends beyond the immediate benefits for artists, showcasing the potential of blockchain to uplift marginalized communities and contribute to the growth and relevance of the Cardano ecosystem in unconventional areas of development.

Kakuma Studios is to be the proof of concept for a much larger initiative; Project: SIMBA which is an acronym for Social Impact through Business Alliances (CSR Manifesto) pioneered by SoundRig and our film partners, Out There Studios. It is an enterprise-driven community social impact "movement" that we seek to introduce to many more underserved communities around the world once the proof of concept has been achieved and perfected. We believe this belongs to everyone, and should be a shared achievement.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

https://youtu.be/lkbpErWKBU0?feature=shared

The positive impact of the Kakuma Studios project on the wider Cardano community is underscored by its comprehensive solution that addresses the challenges faced by aspiring artists not only in Kakuma but also in the broader Kenyan community. By establishing a new recording studio—Kakuma Studios within the refugee camp and twinning with another at the esteemed University of Nairobi (UoN)—the initiative recognizes the impediments of a lack of affordable equipment and web3 access, hindering creativity and financial opportunities for over 250,000 individuals, and millions more in wider Kenya.

This initiative creates an onboarding and educational opportunity for Cardano, with all content released via SoundRig on the Cardano Blockchain from both the Kakuma and UoN Studios opening doors to a new market. This stimulates alternative financial avenues for impoverished communities in Kenya, showcasing the potential of blockchain to uplift marginalized communities. The impact extends beyond immediate benefits for artists, contributing to the growth and relevance of the Cardano ecosystem in unconventional areas of development in emerging markets in Africa. A huge catalyst for this would be the Kakuka artists leading by example, showcasing how they are able to turn their talents into life-saving revenues by leveraging Cardano's blockchain technology. Our partnership with Edubis Wallet; the ingenious Cardano wallet delivered on Telegram is a key proponent to demonstrating the power that is at their disposal when they are all able to off-ramp their crypto payments seamlessly through Endubis into an existing and widely utilised mobile payments system such as MPesa.

In quantifiable terms, the project is expected to attract a significant number of users to the Cardano ecosystem, initially within the Kakuma Refugee Camp and the University of Nairobi communities, and then throughout Kenya, and beyond. The establishment of Kakuma Studios creates a vibrant hub for film and music enthusiasts, fostering engaged communities and resulting in a substantial increase in the usage of the SoundRig platform for music distribution and sales. In addition, as a direct result, we will be able to demonstrate true adoption through the number of Endubis wallets created in real time. This surge in transactions and growing user base contributes to the overall strength of the Cardano ecosystem and reinforces Cardano's position as a leader in the blockchain industry for true, commercial adoption. The success of Kakuma Studios becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of technology and blockchain in bringing about positive change in the lives of marginalized communities.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

We have a highly capable team in place, emphasizing trust and accountability in delivering the Kakuma Studios project. Senior Team members, Abedi Alain, Dr Mirriam Musonye (Chair, Dept. of Literature, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences at UoN); and Robert Kamanzi Simenya possess deep connections to the Kakuma community and invaluable experiences in the music industry. Abedi Alain's background in social work ensures a holistic approach, addressing the community's needs, while Robert Kamanzi's success in music entrepreneurship and intimate history as a former resident offers a powerful, positive role model and source of much-needed inspiration.

Dr Musonye has done extensive academic research in Kakuma and is supporting us to ensure the Studios are integrated correctly into the community. The practical expertise in music production, studio management, and continual professional development for the artists will be provided by the Managing Director of Master Made Studios, Mbarathi Karuga, who also brings strategic insights into project management.

To ensure financial transparency and accountability, we have implemented a robust financial process. We will utilize the Endubis Wallet, a creation by our partner Nebiyu. This wallet, dedicated to the project, facilitates proper fund management, including off-ramping into local currency via an existing mobile payments system, MPesa. Detailed financial records, regular reports to stakeholders, and adherence to financial best practices and regulatory requirements further underscore our commitment to trust and accountability.

In validating the feasibility of our approach, we employ specific measures:

Successful establishment and operation of Kakuma Studios: We track progress in setting up infrastructure, acquiring equipment, and ensuring the studio's smooth operation. Meeting milestones within the proposed timeline and ensuring full functionality demonstrate the feasibility of our physical and operational plans.

Participation and engagement of refugee artists: We measure the level of engagement by monitoring the number and diversity of artists utilizing Kakuma Studios. Tracking the quantity and quality of music produced indicates the success of our approach in fostering creativity and engagement within the refugee community.

Economic empowerment of artists: Evaluation of economic impact involves monitoring artists' ability to generate income through music distribution and sales. This includes tracking earnings, improvements in living conditions, and potential collaborations and opportunities arising from their involvement with Kakuma Studios.

Global reach and recognition: Metrics such as online streaming, downloads, media coverage, and audience engagement assess the reach and impact of music produced at Kakuma Studios. These indicators help us gauge the success of promoting cultural diversity and enhancing global recognition for Cardano.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation allow us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring the project's progress aligns with our goals. Our commitment to trust and accountability extends throughout the entire process, reinforcing the success of Kakuma Studios as a beacon of positive change in the lives of marginalized communities and contributing to the growth and relevance of the Cardano ecosystem.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Establish Studio Infrastructure and Equipment Acquisition (w/ Master Made Studios)

• Studio Recording Equipment (Camera, green screen, PC, mixers, microphones, studio monitors, acoustic treatment, etc.): $10,100
• Studio Infrastructure, delivery/logistics, and Setup: $14,000
• 10% Contingency: ~$2,400
• Total Cost: ~$26,500

Recruitment and Training of Studio Staff

• Studio Manager Salary: $3,600 per annum
• x2 Assistant Studio Manager Salary: $3,000 per annum (each)
• x3 Security Guards Salary: $3,600 per annum (each)
• Studio Cleaner Salary: $1,800 per annum
• Videographer + Video Editor: $2,400 per annum (each)
• Total Cost: $27,000 per annum

Studio Setup for Launch

• Studio Renovation, Sound Proofing, Carpet & Decorating: $2,400
• Kakuma Studios Website: $10,000
• Business Registration Certificate & Travel to obtain: $115
• Solar Electricity: $2,580
• Studio Maintenance: $1,400
• Business Permit: $185
• Website Maintenance: $800
• 10% Contingency: $1,748
• Total Cost: $19,228 per annum

Launch of Kakuma Studios and Artist Engagement

• Launch Event: $2,500
• Publicity/Marketing/Promotion: $2,000
• Artist Orientation and Engagement Materials: $500
• Artist Participation Agreements: $Free (covered by SoundRig)
• Total Cost: $5000

(To be covered by Sponsorship deal by Out There Studios)

Production and Distribution of Music

• Recording and Production Costs: $FREE (covered by salaries and community producers)
• Music Distribution and Blockchain Integration: $FREE (covered by SoundRig)
• Total Cost: $0

Impact Evaluation and Reporting

• Evaluation and Reporting Costs: $2,000 (for Sustainable ADA)
• Financial Reporting and Audits: $1,500
• Total Cost: $3,500

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Sunny Basra: SoundRig CEO, Project Manager. Also will be implementing education on blockchain technology and the tools available to creatively work their way out of poverty. (Profile)

Nebiyu: Founder of Endubis Wallet and Official Partner to Project: SIMBA will be responsible for the onboarding of new community members to the Cardano Blockchain through his Telegram wallet. (Social)

Abedi Kalambi Alain (Kenya): Assistant Project Manager, and the designated Studio Manager for Kakuma Studios. He is also the lead researcher and author of the Feasibility Report. (Profile)

Robert Kamanzi Simenya (US/Kenya): A former resident of Kakuma, and now a celebrated music entrepreneur! Therefore, he has requested to be our official Advisor and support with strategy and logistics in Kenya. (Profile)

Dr. Simon Otieno (Kenya): Professor in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences at the University of Nairobi; Education & Training Partner (Profile). We also have the support of the Chair of the Department of Literature, Dr. Mirriam Musonye who has extensive experience and connections within the Kakuma Refugee Camp. (Profile)

OutThereStudios (UK): Marketing consultants, social impact partners, and creative production advisors for film and music. (Website)

Mbarathi Karuga/Master Made Studios: Implementation of the music studios, training, and education. (Website). They will be commissioned with the task of traveling to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to:

1. Install the music recording studio equipment
2. provide training to the youth on how to operate the equipment, and produce music and video content.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The Assistant Project Manager Abedi has prepared a report on the feasibility of Kakuma Studios relative to the costs associated with the studio location, staffing, etc.

In addition to project setup costs, the total cost for the creation and launch of Kakuma Studios will be ~$75,000 (200,000 ADA), and is divided into the following tasks:

Establish Studio Infrastructure and Equipment Acquisition (w/ Master Made Studios)

• Studio Recording Equipment (Camera, green screen, PC, mixers, microphones, studio monitors, acoustic treatment, etc.): $10,100
• Studio Infrastructure, delivery/logistics, and Setup: $14,000
• 10% Contingency: ~$2,400
• Total Cost: ~$26,500

Recruitment and Training of Studio Staff

• Studio Manager Salary: $3,600 per annum
• x2 Assistant Studio Manager Salary: $3,000 per annum (each)
• x3 Security Guards Salary: $3,600 per annum (each)
• Studio Cleaner Salary: $1,800 per annum
• Videographer + Video Editor: $2,400 per annum (each)
• Total Cost: $27,000 per annum

Studio Setup for Launch

• Studio Renovation, Sound Proofing, Carpet & Decorating: $2,400
• Kakuma Studios Website: $10,000
• Business Registration Certificate & Travel to obtain: $115
• Solar Electricity: $2,580
• Studio Maintenance: $1,400
• Business Permit: $185
• Website Maintenance: $800
• 10% Contingency: $1,748
• Total Cost: $19,228 per annum

Impact Evaluation and Reporting

• Evaluation and Reporting Costs: $2,000 (for Sustainable ADA)
• Financial Reporting and Audits: $1,500
• Total Cost: $3,500

Grand Total: $76,228

Using ADA's value over the past months we assume a price of ~0.38 for ada leading us to a total ADA amount of 200,000 being requested.

Note: We anticipate an excess of $1,288 which we expect to be covered by the revenue generated from the Studio of music sales, and associated products. Generally, evaluation and reporting are undertaken at the end of the year, when we expect to have onboarded hundreds of artists onto Cardano and generate sufficient revenue to cover operation costs for subsequent years.

The budget breakdown includes the costs associated with each milestone and other necessary elements for successful project implementation. It covers the physical infrastructure, equipment acquisition, staffing, launch events, artist engagement, music production and distribution, impact evaluation, reporting, publicity/marketing/promotion, project management, documentation, and reporting back to the community.

The project team will diligently manage the funds provided and ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters. Any excess funding beyond the requested amount will be used to enhance the project's impact, support additional activities, or serve as contingency funds if necessary.

Please note that the budget breakdown provided is an estimate and is subject to change based on actual costs, market conditions, and any unforeseen circumstances. The project team will carefully monitor expenses and make adjustments as needed to maximize the value for money and ensure efficient resource utilization.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways. Firstly, the costs have been carefully assessed and allocated to ensure optimal utilization of resources while delivering the desired outcomes. The budget breakdown takes into account the specific needs of the project, including infrastructure setup, equipment acquisition, staffing, artist engagement, music production and distribution, impact evaluation, and more.

The costs have been determined based on a combination of factors. In the case of infrastructure and equipment, market research and price comparisons were conducted to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. Staff salaries were determined in alignment with national average industry standards, and considering the local context of the refugee camp.

Furthermore, the costs are justified by the potential positive impact and value that the project will bring to the Cardano ecosystem. By establishing Kakuma Studios, we create a platform for talented artists to express themselves, promote cultural diversity, and generate economic opportunities within the refugee camp while also creating an academic onramp via UoN and their media department. The project aligns with Cardano's mission of empowering individuals and fostering inclusivity.

Additionally, the project represents value for money by leveraging partnerships with Sustainable ADA. This collaboration allows for data collection, impact assessment, and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in measuring the project's outcomes.

Overall, the costs associated with the project are proportionate to the benefits and impact it aims to achieve. The careful allocation of resources, adherence to industry standards, and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes demonstrate the value for money that the project offers to the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept