Members of a marimba group in Langa are appealing to local business people to support them with funding to keep their group going.
The group is struggling to get funds to buy equipment and dancing costumes for children.
Thandolwethu Art Project was established in 2006 to remove young children off the streets. Now the project has over 30 members.
The group founder Xolani Mapila said he is targeting young children. “I’m working closely with young children from all primary schools in Langa. Sometimes we do have special guests from various institutions and from other areas,” said Mapila.
He stated that there is no joining fee for primary school learners and he only charges the visitors.
“The prices depends on a period or time that the visitor is going to stay. Because there are some individuals or groups who are coming here asking me to teach them on how to play drums or marimba. And most of the people who are coming here are the tourists,” he said, adding that the classes starts at 14:00 until 17:00 at Gugua Sthebe.
He stated that his primary objective is to revive African culture.
Mapila says he has a lot of experience in playing drums and has visited many countries around the world.
“Before I formed this group I was a member of Heshoobeshoo Marimba group in the 80’s. I’ve been to Norway, Belgium, Mexico and Canada with that group. And I’ve noticed that most people who like marimba are white people. When I started the group I wanted to groom young children so that they can take back the ownership of marimba,” said Mapila. He said part of the things that his group is doing is to give the children a platform to share their views. “We are all leaders here. We allow everyone to speak or express him or herself the way that they feel. Some of the children when they arrived here were shy but now they can lead the song,” he explained, adding that their ages are from seven upwards.
Like any emerging group Mapila said they are going around Langa singing in an attempt to raise funds. “Sometimes we get invitations when there’s a special occasion like in the area like opening of municipal hall, Heritage Day or a campaign,” he concluded.