Using music to fight mayhem
Friends take message of hope to gangland youth
WHEN gangsterism flared up in Arcadia in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas two years ago, local musicians decided to jump in and try to save what was left of the youth.
Gospel rapper Neil Armstrong and his good friend, Raymond Mateza from vocal group Legit for Christ, started a non-profit organisation, Truth Squad, using arts to teach youngsters life skills.
Since Truth Squad’s inception, monthly Block (short for Believers Lounging on Corners for the Kingdom) Parties (short for Positive Arts Relevant to the Youth) have taken over gang-plagued play parks DO you have a similar story? How are you inspiring PE? Perhaps you are helping out a neighbour, paying a child other than your own’s way through school or taking care of someone in your community. We want to hear, and tell, your inspiring stories. E-mail kimberleym@timesmedia.co.za or send them to us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by posting or tweeting your stories and pictures with the hashtag #Inspiremandelabay where youngsters now gather to show off their talents and receive ministry and motivation.
Truth Squad, under the guidance of Mateza and Armstrong, also has regular Block Raids (Reaching Areas In Danger) where gang shootings cost lives, to help families through their bereavement and at the same time prevent retaliation.
Armstrong, a former gangster and prisoner, said the idea was to turn the crime-ridden northern ar- eas around. “One thing we know about the youth in our area is that they are talented. We give them the platform to exhibit their talents and express themselves, and at the same time we reach out to them, offering the only solution to all of life’s problems – Jesus Christ.
“I am a walking testimony of wrong choices, but I am also a testimony of how God can change one’s life.”
Mateza said Truth Squad was made up of artists from different genres willing to go the extra mile for change in the northern areas.
“We also visit schools and minister to them.”
Truth Squad is also an umbrella for local artists to find their gospel voice. “Tomorrow night we are launching volume one of our first CD, which saw a variety of artists’ songs recorded. At the launch at the Chatty Community Church Hall at 7pm we will have various secular artists performing only gospel.
“That is our only requisite – if you want to help change lives in the area, you have to work on positive messages for the kids.”