Ghetto Classics

One of the most prevalent stereotypes is that Kenyans don’t have much interest in certain music genres such as classical and jazz music. Further to this, is the belief that those music genres are for the rich. It is therefore a pleasure to see Safaricom Jazz prove that this is not necessarily the case. Started in February 2014, Safaricom Jazz has grown the popularity of Jazz music in Kenya as well as spotlighted budding Kenyan Jazz musicians to a larger Kenyan audience.The proceeds from Safaricom Jazz go to the Ghetto Classics programme.

Ghetto Classics is the flagship programme of the Art of Music Foundation which is a community programme that involves over 650 children in Korogocho founded by Elizabeth Njoroge and Fr John Webootsa in 2008. The programme uses music education to provide the youth with opportunities to better themselves and their community by giving them the life skills that come with the discipline of studying art music as well as providing them with income generating opportunities. The programme so far has raised over Ksh 19 Million through Safaricom Jazz tickets.

Music education isn’t a priority in our education system, with music as a subject being removed from the primary education syllabus in 2003. I studied music in high school until form four but even there, music is an optional subject. One of the things I’m grateful for in my life is the exposure I got in terms of learning music and the discipline it instilled in me. I was a good student but having something as engaging as helped me stay focused and organized in my time management especially in high school.

There are many studies that have been done on the benefits of music education especially for children that show that children that take up music are better at developing language and reason, memory, coordination, engagement, curiousity, creativity, discipline, intelligence, teamwork and confidence. With all these benefits, it’s a wonder that music isn’t included in every child’s learning. Also, with recent data on the potential of the creative economy, there are also some great career opportunities available particularly for the youth.

The Ghetto Classics programme enrolls about 650 kids and from their findings, the kids in the programme perform on average better than their peers. A number of the tutors in the programme are former beneficiaries of the programme. Some of them have gone on to become part of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra. Beneficiaries of the programme also receive mentorship from the amazing jazz musicians who grace the Safricom Jazz stage including Kunle Ayo and Jimmy Dludlu.

With such progress and undeniable success, I am rooting for the Ghetto Classics programme as well as Safaricom Jazz and hope that more underprivileged kids will get the opportunity to have their horizons stretched through the fantastic world of music.

mwendeMusicGhetto Classics,Kenya,music,Safaricom Jazz
One of the most prevalent stereotypes is that Kenyans don't have much interest in certain music genres such as classical and jazz music. Further to this, is the belief that those music genres are for the rich. It is therefore a pleasure to see Safaricom Jazz prove that this...