LEAF ONEmic Studios

LEAF International ONEmic Studios support the connection of youth to the global world through music production. Each studio offers the opportunity to explore the latest in music technology, equipment, and techniques while honoring the history and progression of music in their respective countries. Youth first learn how to completely set up and identify the different features of production equipment and then take creative liberty to explore with beats from around the world and their original compositions mixing their own songs. These studios serve as a resource for youth/teens sharing their personal stories & using music as a tool of self-expression.

Tanzania

Since 2014, studio engineer Edward Ndoleli, uses the LEAF ONEmic studio to teach music production to youth at Ilboru Secondary School.  For more than 19 years, Edward has worked in music & studio production. His passions include teaching youth, making music that impacts communities, and using music to save the Tanzania culture. 

Each week, students at Ilboru School have the opportunity to record oral histories and share their passion for music. More than 75 students have graduated out of this course and proceeded with a career in music.

Rwanda

The mission of the Rwanda ONEmic is to help young artists develop talent and promote culture and music as a platform for self-expression. Created in 2020, this ONEmic studio is a community resource for local musicians & storytellers located at the Rwanda JR Troupe Cultural Center.

“The studio is one of the most important resources in our hood. Artists come here
for growth and impact.”

Haiti

The LEAF Haiti ONEmic studio was started in 2014 by the demand and interest of students in the International program. 1 Room, 1 mic, 1 laptop (with great music production programs), drums, & a guitar complete this unique studio. Led solely by students, the studio serves as a resource for youth/teens sharing their personal stories & using music as a tool of empowerment.

“Music inspires us because it’s about what we are living, what we experience, and
what we want to change.”
-Wendy, Haiti Student

Costa Rica





In 2013, LEAF International teamed up with Proyecto Jirondai to support the preservation and revitalization of ancient indigenous music, art and language traditions within three First Nation communities in Costa Rica. This studio is mobile though maintains its existence in the BriBri First nation - Talamanca region. 

Asheville




Music & technology come together in real-time as visitors make songs, record stories & connect with ONEmic Studios around the world. ONEmic artists educate on recording & writing music, Hip Hop Culture and Intro to DJing. ONEmic Studio is available for private classes and rentals. Partners: Echo Mountain Studio and The Ben Gradison Memorial Fund.


 

AN URGENT LETTER FROM THE LEAF BOARD:

For nearly 30 years, LEAF Global Arts has connected people through the power of art, music, and culture. Every shared moment has been made possible because of you – our community.

The LEAF Festival is critical to funding LEAF’s larger work: providing global cultural arts programming for thousands of local youth and preserving cultures and traditions around the world.

This year, we are facing a financial crossroads: between the loss of last fall’s Festival, losing a majority of our arts education funding in 2025, and not fully recovering from COVID, the future is bleak. The upcoming LEAF Festival could be our last if we don’t come together to sustain the heart of LEAF’s mission – but we have seen what this community can do when united for a cause greater than itself.

To open the Festival experience to as many people as possible, and to rally the full spirit of LEAF, we are offering a limited number of LEAF LOVE Tickets at a significant discount.

These special tickets, offered at 30% off (our highest discount, even more so than our Early Bird pricing) are our way of ensuring everyone has a place in this story. Full-priced tickets also remain available for those with the means to give a little more to help support LEAF’s vital work.

Your presence, your voice, and your support matter more than ever right now. Join us in making this LEAF Festival one that the world will never forget and ensuring the music continues for generations to come. 

Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.