Brand-new hub aims to nurture future musicians

The new hub is an extension of the Casterbridge Music Development Academy (CMDA), which strives to develop Mpumalanga’s musical talent.

It was officially opened last Friday and the centre was buzzing with excitement from the moment the first instruments were set up.

Once the music began you could not distinguish between the centre’s team and the students, as everyone was moving to the rhythm of the marimbas and drums on the front lawn. The late musical icon Miriam Makeba’s hits, including “The Click Song” and “Pata Pata” were the choice of the day.

The Stones, a CMDA youth band, performed in the HDLC barn. It consisted of the teenagers who had performed with some amazing artists.

“When I first joined the group, I was told that I could not sing even to save my life, but if I were to name the people I have met and performed with, I might even be taken for a joker,” said Sihle Chauke, the lead singer.

The manager, Leroto Maile, was exuberant during the opening, playing a variety of instruments and singing and dancing. Donna Dillon of the CMDA is most positive about the future of the centre.

“The Good Work Foundation supplies great support in feeding kids in the music programme from their pupils who are already attending the HDLC. We are all excited to see this hub flourish into a great creative space,” she remarked.

Here pupils will learn how to play traditional instruments like the djembe, kalimba, uhabi bow and marimbas. Coaches will present training three times a week after school. Once a group has been established, the CMDA will introduce other instruments and move into world music.

When they have reached a reasonable skill level, they will be organised into bands and the CMDA will find platforms for them.

Dillon says they have received a lot of requests for bands to play traditional African music at weddings at some of the surrounding lodges.

Enquiries: Dillon on admin@mpuma-music.org.za