Phostinah ‘Magenta’ Mathole has spent nearly two decades moving between stage, classroom and community.

A guitarist, singer, dancer, actor, and writer, she treats each discipline as part of a single language. “Music provides the emotional core and rhythmic foundation that informs movement and staging,” Mathole said. “Dance sharpens physical presence and timing. Acting deepens character and storytelling. Writing gives structure and narrative clarity. Together they create a more complete artistic language. Music remains the most central to my identity today – it is the thread that connects performance, education, production and community work.”

Read more: Women heal without judgment at peer-led sessions at Thusong Youth Centre

That connection finds practical expression in Keep Your Community Smiling, or KYCS. “KYCS was born from a simple observation: talent and potential exist everywhere, yet many young people in under-resourced areas lack consistent access to arts, mentorship and basic support,” she said. “I wanted to create a vehicle that uses creativity as a practical tool for dignity, skills development and social cohesion.”

As music director at SIST, Dawu Arts and Culture and several primary schools, Mathole designs programmes that meet learners where they are. “I integrate rhythm, song and movement into everyday lessons while setting clear technical and behavioural standards,” she said. “Emphasis is placed on listening, collaboration and personal expression, so that arts education strengthens academic focus, emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging.”

She balances her own stage work with outreach, while collaborations with Umoja Africa and Mmabana Art Centre keep her craft sharp and bring visibility back into the community. “Stage work keeps my own craft sharp and brings resources back into the community,” Mathole said. “Outreach grounds the artistic practice in purpose. Both reinforce the other.”

Also read: Safe spaces help boys and men heal through arts and dialogue

When producing for artists in the North West, authenticity comes first. “I look first for authenticity, work ethic and a genuine connection to local stories,” Mathole said. “The process starts with deep listening, understanding the artist’s voice and cultural references, then shaping arrangements that amplify rather than overwrite that voice.”

Living in Alexandra keeps the work grounded. “The energy, resilience, challenges and creativity of the township inform both the stories I choose to tell and the programmes I design,” she said. “It keeps the practice relevant and responsive to real needs.”

Looking ahead, Mathole wants to expand KYCS programmes, strengthen partnerships and open pathways for young talent while continuing her own recordings and stage projects. “The next chapter is about scaling what already works while remaining rooted in the communities that inspire the work,” Mathole said.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!