The Magic & Melanin Residency

Hey royalty! We've had so much fun facilitating our two-week immersion experiences that we created an expanded program for a longer adventure in the Motherland.

A 14-week program for creatives and entrepreneurs from the African diaspora that allows you to live locally in West Africa while doing what you love and supporting the community.

Registration for our 2025 MM Residency is now open!

Program dates: October 2, 2025 - January 11, 2026

Residency Countries: the West African countries of Togo, Bénin, Ghana

MM’s main goal is to provide a creative space for you to deepen and enrich your skills. Use the magic of the Motherland as a catalyst and inspiring space to sustainably do so. You’ll have access to our co-working space and private office to create to your heart’s content.

OFFERINGS

West African Culture Courses
Language, dance, cooking, herbalism, and tailoring are offered (both private and as a group).
MM’s Community Involvement Program
Take part in equity-based initiatives that help fulfill local needs or requests.
Weekly Debriefs
Reflect each Sunday with your fellow housemates on anything the Motherland has inspired within you.
Weekly Show & Tell
MM Residents teach their fellow housemates a new skill, language, idea, etc … an opportunity to network and deepen connections.
Weekend and Week-long Retreats
Explore other West African countries: Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and cities throughout Togo (facilitation by MM Experiences available at an additional cost). Chosen participants can personalize their desired trip experiences based on available travel packages.

Wow! Where does this take place?

The 2025 MM Residency will be based in Lomé, Togo for the majority of the MM Residency. We will select 4-5 residents to come experience a grounding, indigenous, and spiritual experience at Dossé-Via's grandmother's home in Lomé, Togo. Our 2025 MM Residency cohort will also spend a few weeks exploring Togo's neighboring countries of Ghana and Bénin, guided by the Magic & Melanin team.

Whether you're writing a book or screenplay, painting a series of artwork, growing your start-up, or simply indulging in a digital detox, we invite you to do so at the MM Residency. As you invest in your craft and cultivate a new reality for yourself, you'll be able to network with fellow creatives and changemakers from around the diaspora and here on the continent.

We also encourage you to rest, relax, and reset your nervous system while taking in Mama Africa's healing magic.

You'll receive a detailed breakdown of the itinerary after registering for the program.

photos by MM '21 - '22 Resident Atoi Spates and MM photographer Juls Tornyi

Photos by MM '21 - '22 Resident Atoi Spates and MM photographer Juls Tornyi

Perks and Amenities

Private bedroom with a shared restroom at the main residency base in Togo; private bedrooms in Bénin and Ghana
2 meals a day: breakfast & dinner
Access to snacks & water
Wifi included in main residency bases
Ground transportation to locations included in itinerary
Access to living rooms, common work spaces, and kitchens in MM Residences