TUT hosts European delegation as part of SAMTIC knowledge exchange initiative

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Faculty of Arts and Design hosted a landmark visit by leading music technology academics from Europe as part of the South African Music Technology and Innovation Consortium (SAMTIC), an Erasmus+ funded project supported by the European Union.

The initiative, spearheaded by TUT, brings together Unisa, the University of Pretoria, WITS University, Germany’s Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg and Bulgaria’s University of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski, renowned institutions at the forefront of music technology, digital education and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The core mission of SAMTIC is to facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge: transferring advanced music technology expertise from Europe to South African institutions, while sharing rich African musical traditions, higher education frameworks and curriculum design with European partners. A key focus of the collaboration is exploring the intersection of AI and African music.

From 30 May to 8 June, a delegation comprising two professors and one staff member from Germany, and three professors from Bulgaria, toured South African institutions. Their itinerary included visits to Unisa (1 June), the University of Pretoria (2 June), TUT (3 June), WITS (4 June) and the SABC studios (5 June).

The highlight of the visit was the delegation’s engagement at TUT’s Department of Performing Arts on Wednesday, 3 June. During their visit, Prof Toni Hinterholzinger and Prof Jens Petzold (Germany) and Profs Adrian Georgiev, Hristo Karagyozov and Vaselin Karaatanassov (Bulgaria) participated in African music making, curriculum discussions and recording sessions at TUT’s new state-of-the-art recording studio.

They were also exposed to performances by students and professionals at all four universities including a performance by the legendary Marabi guitar specialist, Moss Mogale.

Prof Karendra Devroop, Professor of Music at TUT’s Department of Performing Arts, emphasised the significance of the event: “This visit is more than an academic exchange. It’s a cultural dialogue. We are not only learning from Europe’s advancements in music technology, but we are also asserting the value of African musical knowledge systems in global conversations, especially as we begin to explore AI through an African sonic lens.”

The visit has also drawn diplomatic interest, with both the German and Bulgarian Embassies in Pretoria meeting the delegation at TUT. Beyond academic engagements, the European guests explored key historical and cultural sites in Gauteng, including Constitutional Hill, Mandela House and the Union Buildings, underscoring the deep cultural resonance of the exchange.

As TUT positions itself as a leader in innovative music education in Africa, the SAMTIC visit marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of music technology through global collaboration and mutual respect.

The Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design hosted a European delegation as part of the SAMTIC Erasmus+ knowledge exchange initiative focused on music technology and AI. The visit brought together German, Bulgarian and South African partner institutions for collaborative sessions, performances and studio engagements. It highlighted growing global cooperation in advancing music technology through shared knowledge and cultural exchange. PHOTOS: Thembisa Ncokwana