CAPE TOWN – Masiphumelele’s homegrown talent serenaded their community when over 60 young violinists thrilled the audience at the annual Masi Violin Festival, held on Masicorp’s Chasmay campus on Sunday 30 November.
More than 150 people attended the event and enjoyed a day of performances, community activities and the debut of brand-new Masi Violin T-shirts courtesy of the City of Cape Town.
organisation’s more advanced Legacy Ensemble. Photo: The Connect Foundation.
Masi Violin is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with similar aims as other entities that operate in the area, championing growth and development among young people, whether through the arts, transferring skills through Masicorp or assisting with job creation as the Sewing Café, a non-profit organisation.
Five ensembles showcase talent
Masi Violin students performed across five different ensembles, from complete beginners
to the organisation’s more advanced Legacy Ensemble.
For many new students this was their first-ever Masi Festival performance, creating especially meaningful moments for families and supporters, said founder Nadiah Mony.
Special guest performers were the Bridges Academy’s Creative Club’s vocal ensemble, which added
harmonies to the musical mix.
Mony said: “It was also the first time our students performed in their brand-new Masi Violin T-shirts, produced by The Sewing Café and made possible through the generous support of the City of Cape Town.
“Seeing all the students dressed proudly in their new garments created a sense of unity, excitement and belonging, a true milestone for the programme.”
Community celebration
Beyond the musical performances guests were treated to a braai, free ice cream, popcorn
machines and face painters creating a festive atmosphere.
Rock Academy and community supporters helped build a custom stage, while various
organisations lent gazebos, equipment and seating to bring the vision to life.
“This is truly a free community festival,” Mony explained, “created to celebrate the children of
Masi Violin and to give something joyful and meaningful back to Masiphumelele.”
Growing success and challenges
The festival is the culmination of the year’s work and was documented by The Connect
Foundation, which aimed to capture the success of the organisation and its impact on young
musicians and Cape Town’s musical legacy, all of this evident in its rapid growth, with more
than 50 children currently on the waiting list for next year.
Looking ahead
Plans for next year include expanding the festival with more guest artists and partners,
training additional teachers, alumni of Masi Violin, through its Legacy programme and buying
more violins to accommodate new students.
Upcoming events include: collaboration concerts, a fundraiser at Café Roux featuring the
Legacy Ensemble and performance visits to care homes throughout the year.
The organisation continues to strengthen partnerships with groups such as Bridges for
Music, Masicorp and Rock Academy while working on heritage music documentation and
original arrangements.
Said Mony: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the festival possible, from those who
lent gazebos and Rock Academy for the stage to supporters who helped feed the community and create such a joyful festival atmosphere.
“Seeing our students perform proudly in their new T-shirts was a reminder of how powerful
community support can be. This festival is for the children, a celebration
of music, joy and the Masiphumelele community.”
Upcoming events
A performance at The Fab Ideas.
Christmas Market – Monday 15 December from
10:00 to 12:00
A pop-up concert at Longbeach Mall on Thursday 11 December.
A Legacy Ensemble busking at Constantia Mall during the holidays from Wednesday 17 December until Wednesday 24 December.
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