Noel Grass — Film Composer
Film Composer · Cinematic Scoring · Soundtrack Composer · Composer for TV & Documentary · Jingle & Sonic Branding
About the Film Composer
Noel Grass is a film composer and pianist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He writes original cinematic scores for feature films, documentaries, television, and brand campaigns, working across East Africa and internationally.
Some stories need stillness. Others need movement. His job is to read which one the scene is asking for, and build the sound around that.
The Scored Scene
This is work in service of the picture. It is an act of shared vision, translating the emotional core of independent films, features, and documentaries into sound. The goal is simple: for the score to work as an unseen character within the frame.
His scores span psychological thriller, drama, documentary, and stage work. For the award-winning drama Ziwa, the process began with a single, quiet piano motif, building slowly into sweeping orchestral textures to reflect the film's emotional journey. For the psychological thriller Lost in Time, the approach was different: using atmospheric world-building and tension to mirror the story's internal conflict.
Every project starts the same way: a conversation with the director about the story's heartbeat. The full filmography and awards are listed below.
Core Filmography
- Lost in Time (2019). Feature Film. Kalasha Award Winner, Best Feature Film. Atmospheric world-building and original soundtrack.
- Kutu (2021). Short Film. Kalasha Award Winner for Best Short Film. Haunting, visceral orchestral arrangements.
- Ziwa (2023). Award-Winning Drama. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Winner of the Najib Ayyed Grand Prize at the Khouribga International African Film Festival.
- On Air (2024). Intense Feature Film Thriller. Original Score.
- Thief (2024). Short Film. Official Soundtrack.
- Nyūmba Ya Mbūri. Cultural Cinema Soundtrack. Original Score.
- The Parliament of Owls (2024). Stage Production. Thematic Theatrical Score.
Awards & Recognition
- Two-time Kalasha International Film Awards nominee, Best Original Score
- Ziwa (2023). Najib Ayyed Grand Prize, Khouribga International African Film Festival
- Lost in Time (2019). Five Kalasha Awards including Best Feature Film
- Kutu (2021). Kalasha Award for Best Short Film
Commercial Music & Sonic Branding
As one of the leading film composers in Kenya and East Africa, Noel Grass also writes jingles, TV and radio commercial music, brand anthems, and full custom soundtracks for corporate and international development campaigns. Clients have included the International Finance Corporation (IFC and World Bank Group), the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the Government Advertising Agency (GAA), SOMINVEST, and Engage Talk Kenya. See the full client list and commercial work →
The Consistent Method
Whether for screen or speaker, the method is the same. He designs with enough intention that you do not just hear the piece. You find yourself inside it. Read the four-step commissioning process →
Questions
Is Noel Grass a film composer?
Yes. Noel Grass is a film composer and pianist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He writes original scores and cinematic soundtracks for feature films, documentaries, television, and brand campaigns, with work released and licensed across East Africa and internationally.
Does Noel Grass compose for documentaries and television?
Yes. Noel Grass composes for documentary and television productions alongside feature films and commercial work. His scoring spans psychological thriller, drama, documentary, and stage, with clients including the International Finance Corporation (IFC / World Bank Group) and the Government Advertising Agency (GAA).
Is Noel Grass a jingle composer?
Yes. Noel Grass composes jingles, TV and radio commercial music, brand anthems, and sonic branding for corporate and development campaigns. Clients have included HELB, SOMINVEST, and Engage Talk Kenya.
Who are film composers in Kenya?
Noel Grass is a film composer based in Nairobi, Kenya, and one of the country's most recognised scorers. He is a two-time Kalasha International Film Awards nominee for Best Original Score, known for Lost in Time, Kutu, and Ziwa, the latter of which won the Najib Ayyed Grand Prize at the Khouribga International African Film Festival.
What films has Noel Grass composed music for?
Noel Grass has composed original scores for Lost in Time (2019), Kutu (2021), Ziwa (2023), On Air (2024), Thief (2024), Nyūmba Ya Mbūri, and The Parliament of Owls (2024).
What awards has Noel Grass won for his film scores?
Noel Grass is a two-time Kalasha International Film Awards nominee for Best Original Score. His score for Ziwa (2023) won the Najib Ayyed Grand Prize at the Khouribga International African Film Festival, and Lost in Time (2019) won five Kalasha Awards including Best Feature Film.
How do I hire a film composer in Kenya?
Start with a brief describing the story, mood, and delivery timeline. Noel Grass works with filmmakers, production houses, and agencies across East Africa and internationally, following a four-step process: Brief, Agreement, Creation, Delivery. Inquiries start through the Commission a Score page.
Can I license existing music instead of commissioning new work?
Yes. Already-made scores and jingles from the Noel Grass catalogue can be licensed for immediate use. This is faster than commissioning a new piece and suits productions with tight timelines or smaller budgets. See the Rent page for the licensing catalogue.
What should I look for in a film composer?
Look for a composer with a clear process, demonstrated range, and a track record you can hear. Strong communication and deadline reliability matter as much as the music itself. Noel Grass brings a four-step process, awards for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film, and a client list that includes the IFC and World Bank Group.
Does Noel Grass work on sonic branding?
Yes. Noel Grass creates sonic branding and custom soundtracks for corporate and international development campaigns, including work for the International Finance Corporation (IFC and World Bank Group) and SOMINVEST.
