TOP MARKS SEND SOWETAN MARIMBA BAND TO CAPE TOWN

The Soweto Marimba Youth League (SMYLe) project is a musical outreach programme that provides under-privileged learners living in the Dobsonville area of Soweto, an opportunity to overcome hardship, work towards a common goal, and reach their full potential through an ‘education first’ incentive.

The intention of SMYLe is to create a music programme in an area where schools are technically unable to provide learners with an opportunity to study music as part of their academic curriculum. The programme accommodates up to 100 learners from 17 schools, who practise up to three hours a day. It hopes to expand this to 200 learners by the end of 2012, with more than 400 by 2014. SMYLe rewards its learners through their dedication to the team and performance in school, so although anyone can participate in the band, only learners who achieve high marks in school are granted the privilege to perform.

Without a formal music teacher in the area, Johnny Hlaba, a gardener from a nearby primary school, took it upon himself to work with the band on a daily basis, teaching the learners how to play each instrument. The older members of the band, through Hlaba’s tuition, use their skills to teach newcomers, creating a continuous learning circle.

Over the past three years, SMYLe has won five trophies for best performances at the National Marimba Festival. The band has also toured Canada three times under the leadership of founder, programme director, and Canadian-born, Michael Rea. Some band members have even received individual sponsorships to study at university level, a privilege unimaginable without SMYLe’s intervention. Kefilwe Morutimang, nicknamed ‘Sweets’ is currently completing her second year of university studies, as a direct result of a sponsorship she receives from a family-owned business in Canada.

Says Rea with pride, “Imagine how thankful I am for being the Canadian who gets to share in this amazing South African experience.”

Don’t miss the next few performances around Cape Town: Mama Afrika (14th Dec), Cape Town Science Centre (15th Dec), V&A Waterfront and Moyo Spier (16th Dec), Moyo Blouberg (17th Dec) and Hout Bay waterfront (18th Dec).

Go here to find out more info about SMYLe or to purchase a CD.

Image 1 – SMYLe Band on top of Table Mountain
Image 2 – Niko Chilwane performing
Image 3 – SMYLe Band performing on top of Table Mountain

Photos courtesy of Michael H. Rea
Film editor Joanne Pratt