Music fan Sipho Nanzwa (34) has taken it upon himself to help artists make better decisions about their future.
Sipho, from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni, told SunBuzz the Art Residence project was created to clean up the streets through art before the streets kill talented youth.
“When dreams take long to unfold, some go to the streets as a way out,” he said. “I decided to focus on helping young artists because of the people I met whose music careers died a terrible death.
Sipho wants to end the cycle that kills the youth and said parents must also be educated about music careers.
“We want to become a bridge that helps artists and communities to keep shining.
“We bring educational, personal and professional development to artists, as well as the knowledge and motivation to help them pursue music and make positive changes in their lives.”
Sipho believes if you save the youth, you save the future.
“We’re not asking for money but opportunities for young artists to be given a platform on radio, television and at events.”
Since June, those they’ve helped include 18-year-old MC Protegy from Finetown in the Vaal, Afrofuturist singer Kiss Kiss from Kempton Park and Pretoria pop artist Mayhem.
“Our vision is to create a generation of young go-getters who fearlessly fulfil their dreams,” he said.
Sipho said his project helps all artists, from musicians to painters and actors.