Experimental noise, sound art & production

About

Sam Karugu
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Sam Karugu

Musician, Producer & Sound Artist

musician, producer, sound artist and film-maker based between Nairobi and Kampala. One half of Duma (Nyege Nyege Tapes). Member of Systemes Bordelique, Usura, Model Home, Nigga Noise. Plays guitar, bass, synthesizers and vocals across genres spanning grindcore, industrial, breakcore, noise, and black metal. As a recording/mixing engineer has worked with Rian Treanor & Ocen James, ecko bazz and others. Graduate of the University of Nairobi (BA Journalism & Media Studies) and Kenya Film School (Certificate in Film Production/Audio). Performed at CTM Berlin, SXSW Austin, Roskilde (DK), Roadburn (NL), Nyege Nyege Festival, Jogja Noise Bombing (ID), and more.
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Instruments & Skills

The tools, techniques, and practices behind the sound.

Instruments

Guitar
Bass Guitar
Synthesizers
Drum Machines & Grooveboxes

DAW / Software

Ableton Live

Techniques

Field Recording
Sound Design
Mixing & Mastering
Noise & Experimental Composition
Live Performance
Recording Engineering
Audio Programming (Pure Data / Max)

Film / Video

Video Production & Editing

Other

Music Journalism & Writing

Experience

Bands, projects, and collaborations.

Member

Model Home

Sep 2024 — Present

Noise rock / experimental collective. Released 'mh globe' album (2025).

Member

Usura

Jan 2024 — Present

Member of this collaborative project.

Member

Nigga Noise

Jan 2024 — Present

Collaborative noise and power electronics project.

Member

Systemes Bordelique

Jan 2023 — Present

Collaborative experimental noise project based between Nairobi and Kampala.

Certificate in Film Production / Audio

Kenya Film School

Jan 2021 — Present

Formal training in film production and audio engineering.

BA Journalism and Media Studies

University of Nairobi

Sep 2019 — Present

Academic background in journalism and media.

Recording / Mixing Engineer

Freelance Sound Engineering & Production

Jan 2019 — Present

Recording, mixing, and production for various artists including Rian Treanor & Ocen James (Nyege Nyege Tapes), plus engineering for Njerae, Xeerfa, Akoth Jumadi, and others across Nairobi and Kampala.

Musician / Producer

Duma

Jan 2019 — Present

One half of the Nairobi-based grindcore/noise/industrial duo. Perform guitar, vocals, electronics. Released two albums on Nyege Nyege Tapes. Performed at CTM Berlin, SXSW Austin, Roskilde, Roadburn, Nyege Nyege Festival, and more.