We are delighted to welcome Shalom Dubas, an American-Nigerian musician and artist, to G.A.S. Lagos for a three-week residency. Her multidisciplinary practice spans performance, music, and research, with a focus on developing sustainable pathways to success for independent artists.
During her residency, Shalom plans to create new music and further develop her ongoing framework for supporting independent artists. She hopes to connect with artists in the local community, visit their studios, and learn more about their practices, including the intersections between music and other creative disciplines. She is also looking forward to experiencing Lagos Art Week, particularly the Biennale and Art X Lagos. Through research at the G.A.S. Library and Picton Archive, she hopes to gain further insight into artistic processes and the journeys of artists at different stages of their careers.
Shalom's residency is generously supported by trustee Temitayo Ogunbiyi. To find out more about supporting G.A.S. Foundation, click here.
Deep, Blue. (EP), 2020, by Shalom Dubas. Cover art by Tomisin Akinwunmi.
What is the current focus of your creative practice?
The current focus of my creative practice is creating music from a place of deep understanding, using an amalgamation of sounds. I want to do so coherently across mediums and address upheld myopic perspectives through comprehensive storytelling. In the background, I am also working to clarify the success framework I am developing for the advancement of my career and the careers of the musicians I am most passionate about: independent and emerging musicians.
What drew you to apply for this residency and how do you think it will inform your wider practice?
I was drawn to a desire to create music in a focused environment and to engage in impactful programming, ultimately to encounter Lagos from a renewed perspective — one where emerging independent musical artistry can thrive. Access to the special collection of information that resides in the G.A.S Library and Picton Archive will greatly inform my practice. When I’m not making music, I hope to find a book, a collection of artwork, or a piece of literature that offers insights from artists at various levels of their careers, or speaks to the process and the evolution of the artist’s journey.
The SquaD’s Kickback. Design by Oluchi Egboh.
Can you give us an insight into how you hope to use the opportunity?
I really hope to make an impressive catalogue of work, including music demos and accompanying visuals, while I’m here, and to advance my positioning as a contemporary musician and artist. Beyond what I can plan for myself, I’m quite excited about the programming taking place during the residency. I’m looking forward to experiencing Lagos Art Week as a resident at G.A.S. I believe that will be special.
About Shalom Dubas
Shalom Dubas is an American-Nigerian artist who views her work as a means of restoration and empowerment. As both an emerging musician and an entrepreneurial artist, she is deeply passionate about sustainable success-attainment systems for independent artists. Outside of creating music, the aspirational side of her work centers around expanding what is possible for artists seeking not only successful careers, but also meaningful and balanced lives. She is a compelling vocal and literary artist, positioned to emerge as a unique and thoughtful voice within the evolving global music landscape.
Image of Shalom Dubas. Photo: Henry Okwubuasi