Mogamad “Gammie” Lakay wants to help the children of Heideveld show off his musical talent through his organisation, Educating Youth in Music (EYIM).
His problem, however, is that while he has the skill to pass on, he needs funding for the shows, which can cost about R9 500 each to stage.
Having worked in the industry for more than 25 years as a guitarist, as well as with David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen – both locally and abroad – Mr Lakay knows the importance of music and how it can develop children and keep them off the streets.
He believes the talent of children on the Cape Flats frequently goes unrecognised becasue they come from poor communities where developing artistic skills is often not seen as a priority.
Having lived in Heideveld for many years, he has seen how desperately youth seek positive outlets. This, he says, is why he started EYIM.
Mr Lakay hosted a music festival at the Heideveld Park over the Easter weekend, where more than 60 children from Heideveld performed. The children used recyclable materials, such as bottles and tins, to create musical instruments and a “klopse vibe”.
“They can become the role models of tomorrow if I give them the platform to do so. It is important for their talent to be recognised to get them away from gangsterism and evil that exists in the community,” says Mr Lakay.
Over the years, he has taught many of the youth to sing, play guitar and the keyboard, and he now aims to provide more structured and formal music lessons through EYIM. If you would like to get involved, you can contact Gammie Lakay at 063 824 4821.