Music and arts academy keeps children away from the streets
The academy has no age restriction, but the focus is on little children because they want to teach them while they are still small.
A Mamelodi singer believes her hood has a lot of talent for the arts and entertainment.
Elizabeth Skosana, known as “Zee Bold,” is the founder of Roots of Music, Art, and Entertainment Academy at Mahefu in Mamelodi West, next to Mabena Square, Section A1.
The 32-year-old from Mamelodi West Section C4 said her passion for singing started in 2018 when she would record herself singing and reciting poems, but never realised that one day she would be performing on the big stage as a lead singer.
She said she joined a jazz band, and her first big stage performance was at a jazz festival. She later recorded two albums with the band.
“The academy is all about sharing talents, learning from each other, but most importantly, keeping Mamelodi children away from crime and drugs,” she said.
“We are not only teaching them about the arts, but we are also making sure they do their schoolwork first.”
The academy also has a live band called Zee Bold Versatile that performs any kind of music live.
She said she is working with a lot of talented groups in the academy.
Zee Bold explained the centre was officially launched in 2023 as a non-profit organisation and is teaching anything from poems, instruments, drama, drumming, music and different styles of dance for free.
“The academy has no age restriction, but is focussed on children, because they want to teach them while they are still young,” said Zee Bold.
The aim is to help young stars perfect their craft and build their confidence in everything they do in music, dance, and/or art.
“Everyone is welcome but we have one-on-one with parents before they sign consent forms that allow their children to come to the academy.”
“Our lessons are free because Mamelodi has a lot of talent, and we don’t want talent to go to waste because we come from different backgrounds.
“The children are taught to share instruments or work with the little they have to perfect their different talents and learn from each other,” she said.
The academy is all about giving children an opportunity to unleash their hidden gifts.
Zee Bold added that the academy annually hosts an event whereby all parents are invited to come see what their children have learned. This year’s event will soon be held at Denlyn Mall.
She pleaded with local businessmen to help with any form of donation for the hosting of the event as the performance is free. She can be contacted on 072 048 7159.
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