Young jazz musicians excited to play UK festival
A GROUP of 10 young aspiring jazz musicians hailing from Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg communities have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the stage with the world’s prominent jazz players in Scotland and London.
For most of the Kronendal Music Academy (KMA) jazz band members it’s more than one dream that will come true if they are able to raise R700 000 for the 40th Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival in Scotland and the Africa Utopia Festival at South Bank, London next month.
The thrilled youths will board a plane for the first time ever.
One of those excited band members is Kamva Thipha, 14, from Imizamo Yethu who was one of the 10 500 people who lost their homes in the devastating fire in March last year.
KMA spokesperson, Michelle Pearce said: “We met Kamva during the aftermath of the devastating Imizamo Yethu fires when KMA changed into a safe haven and home for over 150 individuals.
‘‘During the first 12 days young Kamva was one of many youngsters who stayed at the house while his parents stayed on the mountain desperately trying to defend their little piece of home.
‘‘When Kamva joined KMA in April 2018 as an already selftaught pianist, we discovered his amazing talent as a pianist and he quickly progressed to our senior jazz band.”
KMA is an NPO which provides free music lessons, instruments, ensemble-playing and much-needed lunches to underprivileged children from Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg.
In its 12th year now, KMA has more than 180 pupils walking through its doors weekly.
Through BackABuddy and other people they were able to raise R400 000 so far and still need R300 000.
Pearce said the tour was important for the group as the young stars’ benefits were immeasurable as they would develop cultural sensitivity, be exposed to infinite opportunities to network and become South African ambassadors for the youth.
For donations and more information visit https:// www.backabuddy.co.za/kmajazz-band-edinburgh-bluesjazz-festi