Ephraim Mlangeni Music Academy develops young talent

According to Motloung, who is also the founding director of the Duduza Serenade Performing Artists, which was established in 2005 for senior members, he saw a need to develop younger children in music.

Therefore, three months ago, he started a development programme with the youngest member being eight years old and the oldest 15.

“The academy currently has 51 children in the development programme and, after the age of 15, they move on to the Duduza Serenade Performing Artists,” Motloung explains.

“The Ephraim Mlangeni Music Academy was named after the late pianist, who use to work very closely with us but passed away four months ago.

”He was well-known in the choral industry and we shared the same goals of developing children in the township.

“I have always loved music from a young age, but didn’t have the privilege and opportunity of learning about it and I didn’t know what to do to pursue a professional music career, or the requirements.

”After school, when I wanted to go to Wits University, I didn’t qualify as they wanted a Grade Five in music, which is something I didn’t have, so my dream was crushed.”

In 2006, Motloung got his lucky break and received a bursary to study music at the Federal Union of Black Arts, which was headed by Mlangeni at the time.

“I know the challenges of going into this industry, hence, since starting the academy, I have also engaged with music teachers Magalane Phoshoko and Kgaogelo Mailula, teachers from the Phela-Rephele Music Academy in Johannesburg, who have come on board to work with us.

“What we need the most now is people who can provide more of their skills as there are many children; most of all we need 51 recorders and 51 music stands, music sheets and manuscripts, so the children can continue with musical education.”

Motloung says that, without moral support, such initiatives die out, so they need proper resources more than money.

“We are using the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Duduza for our practises and will start formal classes there from January 11, so that the children can have formal music lessons, which we are providing for free,” he explains.

Motloung adds that music also helps children to improve their academic work, as they become more confident and active.

The children are currently performing and working on a single, Esandleni Somusa, which is Motloung’s compilation.

In the next five years, he would love to see the youngsters taking part in the World Choir Games.

“There is always a problem of funding, but we are doing this on a zero budget, as we believe in the importance of developing our children; we are doing this because of our passion and love of seeing children grow in music,” he says. ”We are not particular about which area the children are from, they must just be talented.”

Boitumelo Rammego (12) says she joined the academy in August, after she was discovered in the Sibonisiwe Primary School Choir.

“This is a nice place to be, as we forget our problems and just have fun, so other children should leave drugs and find something positive to do, like being in this school,” the young girl says.

Lebohang Legodi (12) says she was invited by a friend to join the choir and she is happy she did.

“When you are here you learn more about performing arts, which I love, and my mind has changed since I have been here, because I am no longer always on the street,” she adds.

For more information on the academy, phone Motloung on 078 343 1200 or e-mail to serenade48hm@gmail.com