Father keeps late son’s vision alive through arts foundation

The father of the late legendary jazz musician, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, has visions to continue his son’s legacy through the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation.

The foundation tackles challenges faced by children who are labelled problematic or slow learners at school. It challenges this mindset through the power of music.

Talking to this paper, Jerry said music has the power to help people find direction in their lives.

Through the 10-month programme ran by the foundation, young people are taught how to understand music notes, how to play instruments, as well as dancing and acting.

The programme runs every Saturday from 9am till 12 noon, at the Moses Molelekwa Arts Centre, named after his son.

Jerry Molelekwa said before the passing of his son, they had great plans to be put in action to forever keep his legacy alive.

“The foundation aims to keep the legacy of Moses alive. At first, the foundation was looking to be a musical school but because of his passing it never happened.

“We incorporate music into the kids’ daily lives. We want them to understand the world better and so it has become my personal mission,

“Kids from crèche can be musical too, and from that early age it is important for them to figure out their interest in life.

“The foundation continues to scout talent as it will be hoping to grow some of South Africa’s great musicians. Artists from the foundation have gone to play in some of the country’s biggest festivals, like the Joburg Jazz Festival.

“Music is everything, it lives in us every day, but in most of us it is in our sub-consciousness. It’s like art, everything needs shape or style or size.

“We call on all kids who love music and kids with learning problems to come and explore. We will find out what their interest in life is.

“We had big names in the industry, one is currently in the USA doing music for almost 10 years now and counting.”

Jerry Molelekwa also commended the good use of the centre as artists continue to find platforms to showcase their talents at the centre.

“The participation of artists in the centre is exceptional, in my opinion, the centre is the most vibrate one in the whole of the Tembisa/Ekurhuleni section, though there is an outstanding theatre which is long promised.

“Though Moses is acknowledge by naming the centre after him, I believe there could be more done for our nationally recognised artists. Our government should also at least name some of the biggest streets after these artists like the late Bra Hugh Masikela, Brenda Fassie, and Miriam Makeba and so on.”

Anyone who would like to register their children to join the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation for musical lessons can contact Jerry Molelekwa at 074 304 8894 or email at Jmolelekwa@yahoo.com.