Four young people from Mayibuye are hoping to turn their passion for music into a sustainable creative venture, but say a lack of resources and performance opportunities remains a major obstacle.

The group, Gospel Art Group, was established by former Maphutha Secondary School learners Sixolise Mthambeka (20), Siyabonga ‘Magibela’ Zwane (20), Gift Vele (21) and Kamogelo Mokwele (21), who want to create a platform where young people can develop their musical talents and showcase their abilities.

While the group has the passion and commitment to grow, its members said they need support to formalise the initiative, acquire musical equipment and uniforms, and access opportunities to perform at community events and competitions.

Director Zwane said the choir would embrace different musical styles rather than limit itself to gospel music: “What we are starting is a choir. This choir will not stick to gospel alone. We will also be singing clap and tap, a cappella and other styles because we want to start something that will be open to everyone musically.”

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Reaching bigger stages

The group hopes to gain exposure by performing on bigger stages and participating in competitions where members can learn from other performers and improve their skills.

However, the young artists said talent alone is not enough without the resources, facilities and networks needed to turn their passion into a viable pursuit.

Turning points

For Vele, joining a choir at school became a turning point in his life, helping him find purpose and redirect his energy towards the arts.

He said he initially joined the choir for social reasons but gradually developed a genuine passion for music after connecting with fellow learners and discovering songs that resonated with young people.

“I met my fellow singers through music. Back in high school, I was not passionate about music. I was a street fighter, a guy who bullied others at school, played dice and smoked marijuana,” said Vele.

“When I met my friends through the choir at Maphutha, they told me about it. I was going to join just for the girls, but when I got there, it was no longer about girls. It was becoming a passion.”

Vele initially became involved in acting while other members focused on music, but said being part of the group had a significant impact on his outlook and gave him a sense of direction.

He believes access to arts programmes and facilities could help more young people discover their talents and find constructive ways to spend their time: “Because as a child from the township, there are no goals and dreams because we already lack resources. There are no art centres or spaces where we can showcase our hobbies…”

Vele said young people in Mayibuye often had to travel to the Klipfontein multipurpose centre to nurture their talents because they lacked suitable local facilities.

He called on government and the community to pay greater attention to the needs of young creatives, arguing that improved access to arts facilities and activities could also help address substance abuse among young people.

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Building a solid foundation

Mokwele said the decision to revive the choir came after former members and other people continued asking about the group years after it had become inactive.

Having grown up in a Christian family where music and Sunday school were part of his upbringing, he said the founders saw an opportunity to bring young people together through music.

“It started at school, but we did not have help, and we were younger. So we left it for some years, and people would ask about the choir. That is why we decided to reopen it this time from a more mature point of view and, of course, seeking assistance,” said Mokwele.

The founders are appealing to community members, organisations and potential sponsors to help them establish a solid foundation for Gospel Art Group.

Their needs include musical instruments, performance uniforms, assistance with registering the group and connections to events and competitions where they can perform.

Details: Potential sponsors or those who wish to join the group can contact 068 094 4817 or 081 208 5953.

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