Music, Media and Performing Arts Conference – PASMAE Eastern Africa 2026

2026-07-14

Call for Papers and Performances

Conference Theme: Convergence of Heritage and Horizons: Navigating Faith, Technology, and the Digital Frontier in African Media and Performing Arts

Conference Dates: 21–23 September 2026
Conference Mode: Blended (Physical & Virtual)

Overview

The School of Music and Media at Kabarak University, in collaboration with the Pan African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE), is pleased to host the PASMAE Eastern Africa 2026 Sub-Regional Conference.

The conference brings together scholars, educators, researchers, creative practitioners, technologists, media professionals, and industry leaders to examine how digital technologies are transforming African music, media, film, theatre, and the creative arts.

Participants will explore the intersection of digital innovation, indigenous knowledge systems, and faith-based perspectives and discuss practical approaches to competency-based arts education. The conference seeks to inspire the next generation of African creatives to innovate, create sustainable careers, and lead within the digital economy while preserving Africa's rich cultural heritage.

Conference Tracks
Track 1: Technologies of Creation, Immersive Spaces and Digital Art Practices
Track 2: Innovative Pedagogical Frameworks and Competency-Based Education
Track 3: Media Integrity, Strategic Public Relations and the Truth Economy
Track 4: Faith, Ethics, and Holistic Artistic Practices
Track 5: Showcase of Original Works, Innovations, and Performances

Contributors are invited to submit work in the following categories:

Spoken Papers

  • 10-minute presentation
  • 5-minute question and answer session
  • Suitable for empirical research and case studies

Workshops and Demonstrations

  • 45-minute interactive sessions
  • Practical skills and technology demonstrations
  • Competency-Based Education Implementation
  • Music technology applications

Symposia and Round Tables

  • 45-minute panel discussions
  • Focused conversations around conference themes

Creative Works and Performances

  • Pre-recorded musical, film, or theatre performances
  • 10-minute presentation describing the creative process
  • Publication Opportunity

All accepted submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review for possible publication in a Special Issue of the Kabarak University Journal of Research & Innovation.

Publication attracts a separate publication fee.

Conference Timeline

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 20 August 2026
  • Full Paper Submission: 1 September 2026
  • Acceptance Notification: 5 September 2026
  • Registration Deadline: 5 September 2026
  • Conference: 21–23 September 2026

Conference Registration Fees

  • Kabarak University Undergraduate Students: KES 1,000
  • Kenyan Participants: KES 5,000
  • International Participants: USD 100
  • Publication Fee: KES 10,000

Registration includes a conference certificate and a book of abstracts, where applicable.

PASMAE Membership

Membership is valid for two years.

  • Full Membership USD 25
  • Full-time Students USD 15
  • Organisations / Institutions USD 50

Membership is payable directly through the PASMAE membership portal.

Payment Details

Option 1 – M-Pesa

  • Paybill: 511480
  • Account: Name Conf

Option 2 – Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)

  • Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)
  • Branch: Nakuru
  • Account Name: Kabarak University
  • Account Number: 1109663161
  • Swift Code: KCBLKENX
  • Bank Code: 01
  • Branch Code: 103
  • Conference Registration

Submit abstracts, papers, and register through the conference portal: https://conferences.kabarak.ac.ke/index.php/smm/about/submissions 

Conference Contacts
Music and Performing Arts
Dr. Joyce Mudengani Mochere

Vice President, PASMAE Eastern Africa

Email: jmochere@kabarak.ac.ke
Phone: +254 (0) 727 511830
Mr. Silas Temba

Department of Music and Performing Arts | RIO Coordinator

Email: smutabi@kabarak.ac.ke
Phone: +254 (0) 722 144066
Mass Communication
Mercy Munene

Department of Mass Communication | RIO Coordinator

Email: mwanjira@kabarak.ac.ke
Phone: +254 (0) 731 475 417
General Enquiries
Email: info@kabarak.ac.ke
PASMAE: pasmae@pasmae.africa