Passion project provides creative platform

In my efforts to find new spaces where young people can enjoy some music, socialise and network, I was lucky enough that Hillcrest High Old Boy, Jordan Milton and musician, Zama Zwane, hosted a collaborative effort, called Avenue Sounds which bought together musicians, videographers, photographers and other creative people in Durban.

The third edition of this intimate artist-focused event was hosted at Studio 031 on Station Drive, a space that’s regarded as a creative hub for cultured locals.

Jordan explained how he and Zama conceptualised this idea.

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“Zama and I were flatmates and we both love music. Zama is a singer and I play the drums and we would watch these things (acoustic music shows), Color Studios, Tiny Desk Concerts and looked at Durban and realised that we have all this talent, but there was no platform, so we created our own.” The first edition of Avenue Sounds was hosted in Jordan and Zama’s flat where they were merely experimenting with live sound, hosting a group of people and local artists in a space that would eventually see the duo take the innovative event to a bigger venue.

“Venue size is important,” emphasised Jordan, “but again it was all about learning, it’s constant learning,” he said.

Zama pointed out that: “The most important thing for us is the friendships and partnerships we get to build, because this is a passion project and we’re all professionals in our fields.”

Zama is also greatful of the reception they received from their peers. “People still want to get involved, like the artist who can basically use this space for exposure, even though exposure doesn’t pay rent.” Zama added.

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The collaboration among creatives is Avenue Sounds’ biggest attribute and it provides a platform for not only talented musicians to show off their skills to a small audience but also have culinary excellence with the Blue Rock Kitchen and their signature ‘Gqom Burger’ for everyone to enjoy.

The audience exceeds the 40 people that made their way to Studio 031 and the production was also prepared to be uploaded on YouTube for the rest of Durban to enjoy.

(student@dbn.caxton.co.za)

Follow the Youtube channel: Avenue Sounds

Instagram : avenuesounds

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