My name is Lelethu Jikela and for the past 15 years, I have been mentoring young people between the ages of 16-26 years from disadvantaged communities. Through this, I have developed their crafts, produced shows and helped these young artists make their dreams come true.

Some of my proudest achievements include Initiating the Red Bull Corner to Corner Artist Development Programme alongside Red Bull South Africa for a two-year collaboration featuring prominent local artists. In addition to this, secured a high-profile sponsorship deal for the artist Dee Koala with Adidas South Africa and orchestrated a collaboration with renowned musician Riky Rick, elevating the artists career and expanding their reach in the industry

This year, I hope to do bigger and better things. I have been diligently working day and night to bring the Jikela Music School programme to fruition!

REACH

A community with over 2 million residents, Khayelitsha is one of the most marginalized and poverty- stricken townships in South Africa. The unemployment rate in Khayelitsha officially stands at a staggering 54.1% and in reality, the figure is unfortunately higher.

Many of whom are graduates in the entertainment and media industries. The lack of safe spaces, hubs and resources to develop and groom young people in Khayelitsha has left the youth falling into drugs, crime, gangsterism and teenage pregnancy.

With creatives bringing in international tourists to enjoy the experience of what it means to live in the township, Khayelitsha still stands to have the potential to run its own economy through art and innovative entrepreneurial opportunities.

Like many townships in South Africa, Khayelitsha has so much talent to be shared with the world. We at Jikela Studios want to ensure that these talents and gifts do not remain unseen and disappeared into obscurity

With the lack of art and music schools in townships, including Khayelitsha, this fundraiser will appeal to 54% of unemployed youth.

www.jikelastudios.org