How Bridges for Music Academy helps create local music talent

Bridges for Music Academy, a non-profit organisation that aims to use music to make a positive difference in communities that are in need, is going to host a special gala dinner that will mark its 10th anniversary and raise more funds to support underserved communities.

The special dinner event to celebrate the organisation’s 10th anniversary will take place on 24 May 2023, at the Marabi Room located in the Hallmark House.

Attendees can look forward to performances by talented artists, including Namakau Star, Wandile Mbambeni, and renowned German artists Aka Kellz.

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Bringing about positive change

As the Bridges for Music Academy is a non-profit organisation, it is supported by the proceeds from it’s gala dinners.

The events hosted by the organisation are widely attended and attract some of the industry’s most talented artists and contributors, and by supporting the organisation, guests will help the academy grow and provide education and support to underserved communities around the world.

Bridges for Music Academy has been leading the charge in using music as a means of bringing about positive change.

Valentino Barrioseta, the founder of Bridges for Music Academy, explains the organisation’s focus on serving the needs of underserved communities through its programmes.

“Bridges for Music Academy provides various education, mentorship, and empowerment programmes to underserved communities in developing countries.

“Some of these programmes include music and entrepreneurship workshops. These workshops teach young people how to create and manage their music careers, including topics such as marketing, branding, and financial management,” says Valentino.

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How the organisation has evolved over the past decade

Over the last decade, Bridges for Music has undergone significant growth, broadening its scope of programmes and extending its influence.

The organisation’s accomplishments include the establishment of the Langa Music School in Cape Town, which provides free music education to disadvantaged children.

“We organised the first-ever music production and DJ school in the township of Gugulethu, and partnered with music festivals such as Ultra South Africa and Sonar in Barcelona to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for young artists.

“And lastly, we hosted fundraising events such as gala dinners, which have raised over R1 million to support its programmes,” Valentino shares.

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Gala dinner to to raise funds

According to Valentino, the organisation uses funds collected from its gala dinners to support its programmes, which include the construction and restoration of music schools and production studios in underprivileged areas.

“We have provided scholarships and subsidies for music courses and workshops, supported local artists with equipment, mentorship, and networking opportunities and organised music events and festivals in underserved communities.

“The funds raised from the gala dinners play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding Bridges for Music programmes, allowing it to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in developing countries,” concluded Valentino.

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