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Some singers have been singing for years and still don't know what their music is really about. This is for them.
Benin is a place where tradition and creativity have always walked hand in hand. A country where music, rhythm, and storytelling aren't performances they're a way of life.
For five days, you'll become part of that energy.
No pressure to impress. No need to fit a trend.
Just the freedom to create honestly.You'll have the space to discover your artistic identity, refine your sound, and write music that truly reflects who you are.With professional recording equipment, vocal coaching, guitar support, and personal artistic mentorship, you'll leave with more than inspiration you'll leave with music that couldn't have been created anywhere else.
The residency will be held by
ARiA Director
GRAMMYs Voting Member
MVT Certified Vocal Coach
Music Producer & Artistic Director
Gwen Thomas grew up inside the sound of African gospel, and it never let him go. That early immersion became the foundation of a musical journey that has taken him from church halls to the world's greatest stages including a transformative stint as a backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder, and a performance before the legendary Quincy Jones.
His music carries the world in it. Born of a mother from Gabon and Togo and a father from Senegal and Mauritania, Gwen moves naturally across West and Central African musical traditions, weaving them into a sound that is unmistakably his own: African rhythms layered with jazz, funk, and the deep pulse of gospel. That sound has earned him the AFRIMA Award for Best Jazz Artist in Africa and taken him to stages across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Alongside his career as a performer, Gwen is a certified Modern Vocal Training coach who has worked with over 900 singers, including Latin Grammy-nominated artists. His approach to teaching mirrors his approach to music: find what is most true about you, and build everything from there.
He built ARiA because the answer always came from the same place. Not from technique. Not from strategy. From knowing yourself well enough to stop performing and start saying something true.That is what these six days are about.
Five days to find out.
The flow remains open. This is not a fixed curriculum, it is a living week that meets you where you are.
Three ways to experience ARiA. One of them already feels right.
Some things cannot be taught in a classroom. They can only be encountered.
The only thing on your mind will be the music.
Les 3 Palmiers handles everything else: a private villa in Ngaparou, steps from the Atlantic, with a pool, lush gardens, and bungalows that feel like permission to slow down.
No surprises. Here's everything covered, step by step.
November in Senegal marks the beginning of the cool, dry season, offering some of the most pleasant weather of the year. In coastal areas like Dakar and Ngaparou, days are warm and sunny, typically ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). Evenings are cooler and more comfortable thanks to ocean breezes. The rainy season has just ended, so visitors can expect clear skies, very low humidity, and virtually no rainfall. A light, dry wind from the Sahara known as the harmattan may begin to appear, bringing a slightly dusty but refreshing atmosphere.
Destination: Dakar, Senegal
Airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
We recommend arriving between 9am and 5pm on Day 1 (November 10). Your shuttle driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding an ARiA sign. Arriving earlier in the day is strongly recommended. It allows time to settle into the villa, meet fellow participants, and relax before the welcome night.
Yes. That feeling is exactly why this residency exists. You don't need to have released music or performed on stage. If you write, dream, or simply feel called to create, you belong here.
Yes, Senegal is generally considered safe and is ranked as one of the safest countries in Africa.
No. The residency is held in English. A translator will be present for activities with locals who do not speak English.
Only 10 spots to preserve an intimate, focused experience.
Fill out the form, and you'll receive payment details via email. You can then pay in full or secure your place with a €250 non-refundable deposit, which guarantees your spot. Link in bio, or contact us directly.
Some people arrive in Senegal and realize five days was never going to be enough. Journey 2 was built for them.
Discover Africa through unforgettable artistic residencies in the vibrant landscapes of Senegal and the rich cultural heritage of Benin.
ARiA is where singers come to stop performing and start being honest with themselves. Six days in Senegal. A villa by the ocean. The rest is yours.
