VIDEO: Youth use art to change social ills narrative

THE youth of Wentworth held their first of many performances on Saturday, 26 September at Fire and Ice Sports Café on the Bluff.

Organised by Dale Benton, Ashton Lottering and Peter van Zyl of the music stable Platinum Supreme Music Group, the idea behind the concert was to give performers a platform to showcase their talents.

The group comprises vocalists, poets, rappers, musicians and dancers who each bring a unique value and style.

“We’re from Wentworth and we’re facing big troubles in the area. There is substance abuse, gun violence, domestic violence, and unemployment.”

“We started this record label with the youth from the community between the ages of 15 to 35. It is a group of eight who have talent and skill. They all are creatives who write their own music,” said the group’s artist manager, Dale.

He added that their aim is to change the narrative of social ills in Wentworth by keeping young people involved in positive engagements.

“If not this, they could easily learn how to smoke cigarettes and from there it is substance abuse which goes downhill. We’ve had some children who were addicted to Wiz and so far they seem to be off that because we’re also strict about them making the right choices for themselves and futures,” he added.

The group’s marketer, Peter, said they also go the extra mile in ensuring that their artist’s well being come first.

“We want to introduce a new mindset using art as a creative process for their expression which is so important. We’re not just a label with artists and a youth programme. We also have personal sessions with our artists as well as those not signed to us, where we figure out what they are going through in their lives. We try to mentor them in the right direction,” he said.

Having formalised just a year ago, the group wants to fully solidify itself in the community first and inspire others to focus on the positive in life.

The concert was well attended by locals including the parents of the performers. The group thanked the owners of Fire and Ice Sports Café who offered them a stage and said that they look forward to growing from strength to strength.

For more on this group, like their Facebook page: Platinum Supreme Music Group or follow them on Twitter and Instagram @PSMG.  

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