Ayanda, her musical journey from Ivory Park

Meet Ayanda Mbatha, a promising violinist and cashier from Ivory Park.

She said she fell in love with the instrument at an early age and is passionate about music.

“I got the inspiration to play the violin after listening to To Love You More by Celine Dion featuring Taro Hakase,” she said.

“I told my self that one day I will also play the violin like him. I was only nine years old… Celine Dion, Ashante Floyd, Taro Hakase and the Soweto String Quartet are the artists that inspire me the most in the music industry.”

Mbatha started playing violin at the age of 14 at Eqinisweni Secondary School in Midrand, which has a music programme for pupils and people from the community. “We were mostly focused on classical music and a little bit of jazz though we learned about different genres of music. Music is a fun subject though it needs someone who is dedicated to hard work.

“I once composed a song at school for my music assignment and have done a lot of ensemble pieces. I even participated in the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz camp festival in 2012 at Stoney Ridge.”

She advised anyone who wanted to pursue a music career to work hard at it and be committed to their studies to have something to fall back on. “It’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it, only through hard work. I know people might try to discourage you but just focus on your dreams and work hard you will make it.”

Mbatha said she is not practising as much as she would love to because she does not have her own violin, she uses one at Eqinisweni Secondary School and while others practice during the week she is at work.

Mbatha’s former music teacher Helloise Thorburn said Mbatha has a promising music future. “She is such a great girl, she also helps others at her former school who show interest in music.”

To support Mbatha by donating a violin for her email nokuthula@caxton.co.za or midrandreporter@caxton.co.za