A renowned Khayelitsha jazz artist Babalwa Mentjies is ploughing back into her community through Amathunzi Arts and Development Centre, where she nurtures young people.
The polished songwriter and vocal coach/entertainer works with a group of about 60 people between the ages of 14 and 35 at the Khayelitsha Cricket Oval Hall.
The centre is part of a growing network of community-based arts initiatives that use creative activities to support local talent and strengthen communities. For Amathunzi, the focus extends beyond artistic expression.
The centre aims to contribute to the development of individuals by encouraging them to use their talents constructively and giving them an environment in which they can learn, collaborate and grow.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal‘s School of Music graduate, said the centre is using the power of arts and culture to create opportunities for young people and aspiring artists in the community.
“The centre provides a space where people can explore their creativity, develop their talents and gain skills that can contribute to their personal and professional development.
“Through its work, Amathunzi seeks to show that arts and culture can play an important role in building confidence, encouraging positive participation and creating opportunities for young people,” said Mentjies.
Nurturing young talent in Khayelitsha
Members of the centre are from Khayelitsha and surrounding areas. Mentjies said they are working with one crèche and various primary and high schools in Khayelitsha.
“We are working with Luleka, Eluxolweni primary schools and Manyano, Bulumko and Masiyile high schools, and Stepping Stone Early Childhood Development (ECD) all of them are from Khayelitsha.
“We do want to go beyond Khayelitsha, but we don’t have sufficient funds,” she explained, adding that they are meeting every Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 until 16:00.
Creating opportunities through creativity
“As the creative sector continues to provide opportunities in areas such as performing arts, music, dance, theatre and other forms of artistic expression, an organisations such as Amathunzi Arts and Development Centre remain important in identifying and nurturing talent at community level. The centre’s continued work highlights the role that arts organisations can play in giving young people a sense of purpose while preserving and promoting local culture and creativity,” said Mentjies.
Removing the stigma around artists
She said they also teach the students on how to write a script, compose music and so on.
She stated that they also promote education at all costs. She said they want their students to be independent.
“We want our students to take art seriously and know that they can make a living out of it. We want to remove the stigma associated with artists and substance abuse,” she stated, adding that they have a group of students from her centre who are in the film industry.
It changed my life for the better’
One of the members of the group, Andile Siphangu (29), described the centre as his second home.
According to him, everyone is like one big family.
“Being a member of Amathunzi changed my life for the better. It keeps me away off the streets. I am doing drama and music,” said Siphangu.
Mentjies, however, said the centre’s main challenge is a lack of funds. She said anyone who would like to contribute can contact Mentjies on 079 874 5769.
