Cape Town - The family of renowned South African-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, is offering free music classes to youngsters in their hometown of Elsies River in an effort to “save lives” amid the ongoing crime plaguing the community.
Hailing from Matroosfontein, Sandra Butler and her son Michael John Sias, founded the non-profit organisation (NPO) Butler Youth Development in 2014, with the aim of educating and rehabilitating children through music.
Its chairperson, Michael John, said the Covid-19 pandemic had crippled them, but they were back with about 200 children who attended music classes every Saturday at the Range Primary School from 2pm-5pm.
“We are trying to keep the youngsters off the street and save some lives through music in Elsies River. Our children look forward to these classes despite what is happening in the community with the gang violence and crime,” said John.
“Most of the children don’t have direction, there are no activities to keep them busy in our area so at least we offer them these music classes.”
He said the children came from areas like Clarkes Estate, The Range, Salberau, Epping Forest, Matroosfontein; and some are part of the family’s, Butler Youth Development Minstrel team.
They are taught music development, life skills, music theory, cadets, drum majorettes, brass instruments, jingle squad and combined chorus, to name a few.
Singer, Sandra Butler, who has been in the music industry for over 35 years, said: “There is nothing in Elsies River for these children, you see children running up and down in the streets so I decided to do something for the community, get the children together and make something of them. By teaching them not just music but how to speak respectfully to each other and be disciplined towards adults.”
Butler Youth Development Minstrel Team member, Mercedes Turner, 18, said: “I enjoy being part of the team because it keeps me out of trouble and out of the flats because when I am in the flats then I get blamed for everything. Here there is a lot of discipline and we need to listen to aunty Sandra.”
John said there was a shortage of musical instruments and appealed for assistance. He can be reached on 083 669 7623.
“We have an issue with instruments, all the children can’t get instruments because most of our learners’ parents are unemployed so they can’t afford their own instruments because it is very expensive,” he said.
Cape Argus