Heroes of Tomorrow Arts Academy helps keep children off the street

Emmanuel Dodose from Ivory Park Extension Two, founder of Heroes of Tomorrow Arts Academy, strives to keep children off the streets and away from social ills.

An actor, producer and a poet in his own right, he began performing at a young age. In 2017, he started Heroes of Tomorrow Arts Academy. he is currently working with a group of young girls from his neighbourhood.

Dodose says he noticed when children come back from school they do not have much to do and needed something to encourage and motivate them.

“After opening the academy, I thought why not pass down my knowledge in drama, poetry, music and dance,” said Dodose.

“My poet stage name is Madodah The King Poet. With poetry I overcame my stage fright and was able to express my self regardless of who is looking. I am trying to build self confidence and instil a sense of stage ownership with the performing group I am mentoring.”

Dodose said he was part of a play at Market Theatre, a drama called Isiqcino Ngesami, and is also part of a film and television company called Artville Media Production.

“Being in the media industry, I saw that talent must be passed on to the next generation. By doing this, I keep young girls off the streets and away from the social ills like drugs, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.”

Heroes of Tomorrow hosted the Izakuwe Arts Festival at Ivory Park North Hall, in partnership with Ekurhuleni, Department of Arts and Culture and South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum, on June 20.

The groups that entered the event competed in drama, poetry and dance – with prizes ups for grabs.

“In 2017, we performed at Ivory Park Youth Centre in an event named Siyanqoba, where we ended in second place and won a certificate, trophy and prize money in the dance category, where we performed a Kofifi dance.”

Dodose said he would love to see the young ones go overseas to showcase their talents, like the Ndlovu Youth Choir who recently competed in America’s Got Talent. He also emphasised that support of parents and the community is important.

“I wish parents can also see the potential in their children and groom and support them emotionally and economically. As a community we need to come together because it takes a village to raise a child,” said Dodose.

“We practise from Monday to Wednesday, so there is time for studying on Thursday and Friday. Older community members come to help with school work to balance craft and education.”

He said he would like to thank a good friend of his, Nkosinathi Shezi, who opened many doors for him and his sister, Thobeka Magakoe, who supported him from the beginning.

To book the group for a performance send an email to nkosinathishezi07@gmail.com or call 071 521 2540 or 076 274 8451.

“We would like to continue teaching arts in the township and expand, but we also appeal to the government to consider building a theatre for us right in the heart of our township, so our children can know what it means to be in theatre,” said Dodose.

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