WITH their vast experience as musicians, local band, Live Music Culture, from Humansdorp, hopes to popularise the art of live music by showcasing their talents throughout the Kouga region, which they hope will inspire young people in their community.
From an early age, Vuyo Jansen, who is the founder of Live Music Culture, has been interested in music and has always dreamt of one day starting his own band in his community.
Before establishing his band, Jansen said he lacked leadership and did not have enough courage to break out on his own.
To learn more about the art of creating music, Jansen surrounded himself with experienced local musicians such as Cameron Lejander, the founder of Harmony Community Band, Jevano Lejander, who was well-known for his trumpet playing skills, and Juhein Leander, a guitarist and teacher, who taught him how to play the guitar.
In 2016, under the mentorship of Pieter Bredekamp, Jansen joined Divine Perspective, a local band which consisted of a small group of youngsters from different backgrounds.
Jansen said that Divine Perspective provided him with the opportunity to express himself through music, while offering a safe space for young people to gather in his garage every weekend to play music.
Unfortunately, the band split up in 2019, which compelled Jansen, who plays the keyboard, guitar, and bass, to start his own band in January last year.
With help from Bredekamp, who continued to mentor him and provide him with the equipment he needed, Jansen established Live Music Culture with three other members, Ruwayne Atties, an international keyboard player, Shaun Smith, an experienced bassist player and Breyton Voorslag, a local drummer.
As a newly established band, Jansen hopes to highlight the importance of live music in society.
“Live music is more than just music; it is entertainment that is able to create an atmosphere that no digital music can make. I believe that digital music removes creativity, and the goal of my band is to therefore create a new culture where live music is appreciated,” said Jansen.
“With my experience as a musician and with the help of my band, I believe we can put a smile on people’s faces with our live musical performances.”
Apart from popularising live music and sharing his musical talents with others, Jansen also hopes to one day establish his own music school in his community, in order to help young people living in difficult circumstances seek a better future.
“I believe that young people have the power to inspire and influence the world. With music I believe that we can inspire young people to ultimately create a healthy society,” said Jansen.
The Live Music Culture will be performing at Milkwood Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 3. For more info about the market, visit the Milkwood Market Facebook page.
