Northmead street entertainer wants to teach children music
Any donations of musical instruments can be made to the Anglican Church of the Resurrection, Wattville
On Mandela Day, the City Times had a chat with a local sidewalk entertainer, Matthews Dhlomo, to see how his hopes and dreams have grown and how the pandemic has affected him.
Although he still plays his trade outside Northmead Square, playing his recorder, his dreams have changed slightly.
When asked what he would appreciate Benonians doing for him on Mandela Day, his requests was not for himself, but for the less fortunate children roaming the streets.
“I first want to put forward my condolences about Zindzi Mandela, who died recently. It is sad that she has died, but even more sad that it’s during these times, when large gatherings are not permitted,” said Dhlomo. “Although I do need financial help for myself, to pay rent and electricity and purchase food, my biggest concern lies with the children of Benoni, most of whom are on the streets, leading them to gangs and a life of crime.
“I want to ask the town of Benoni to assist in donating musical instruments of any kind to the Anglican Church of the Resurrection (2455 Mokone St, Wattville), so that I can aid children in learning to play instruments and enjoy music, keeping them from a life of crime and giving them something to hopefully one day love as I do. “Many children could have the talent to even go as far as making a career out of music, but they may need my help,” said Dhlomo.
Many people do not know that Dhlomo is a multi-talented individual. He plays no fewer than five instruments, holds a diploma in marketing and has a black belt in Kyokushin karate.
He knows his way around the piano, trumpet, drums, percussion and saxophone, but despite his talents is not employed on a full-time basis. At times, he earns his daily bread as a gardener and by freelancing as a musician.
“The children of our world do not know what is going on during this pandemic. They are scared and confused and will often rebel or act out. Those without parents or homes, the ones without help, they need your help Benoni, and I beg you to help me keep the children off the street, by giving them something they can look forward too, and feel safe while doing so,” said Dhlomo.
Any donations of musical instruments can be made to the church under Matthews Dhlomo’s name, where he will then keep the instruments safe and start his project to teach music to less fortunate children.
For further information, contact Jemma Buys at the City Times on 011 425 0164.
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