A Bo-Kaap-based non-profit company (NPC) is on a mission to empower the youth and get them employed in the art sector.
Tern Entertainment and Development Projects (EDP) was established by Tasneem Isaacs in February this year when she noticed the talent in her community.
Isaacs, who previously worked in the entertainment industry, said she wanted to create a platform for the youth to showcase their hidden talent. She has partnered with a local art group Bomblife.
The group, consisting of rappers, singers, a dance group, and a motivational speaker, goes out to various communities around Cape Town to entertain and empower people.
“We help young artists from underprivileged areas by giving them a safe space to practice and master their craft in their own art forms. Within the last seven months, we have helped several talented youth from different communities overcome their circumstances of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, as well as rape and emotional distress.”
Isaacs adds that they have contracts with local production companies that make it possible for young people to feature in local films.
Edwin Wessels, talent manager and spokesperson for TERN EDP, says: “We have a lot of people in our communities that are so talented and they are doing nothing with it. We don’t just go out and entertain people. We also raise awareness on various issues. We show them that change is possible.”
Wessels, a rapper, says since he joined TERN EDP, he has had the opportunity to perform on platforms he never imagined. “We are getting exposed and getting recognition. We performed at the amphitheatre at the Waterfront. At the same time, we are gaining experience in the film industry.”
Wessels says, in the future, they hope to reach schools across Cape Town.
“We want to create a change in underprivileged communities. It is all about bringing a positive message across. So, when they leave there, there is something that will stick in their minds.”
But he explains that lack of funding is their biggest challenge, He appeals to organisations and corporates to assist them.
“We don’t always have funds for transportation or to pay for venues. Would love other organisations to support us in our goal. In return, we will market their company and brands.”
Wessels says sponsorship can also be in the form of a big pot of warm food or clothing items which they will distribute in the various areas.
Isaacs explains they have started a cleaning company to generate funds.
She says they are grateful to those who regularly support them in their goals. “St Paul’s Anglican Church in Bree Street allows us to use their hall once a month for free to host our functions. We are grateful.”
Luciano Koopman, a member of Bomblife, says as an artist it is hard to get exposure. “But since joining TERN EDP things have been different. Children walk up to us asking when we will be having a show again. We want to encourage the youth to stay in school and tell them there is more to life than sitting on street corners.”
Singer Marlin Baker says he was bullied at school and explains that music helped him overcome this. “I always dreamed of becoming a successful singer. When I joined TERN EDP, it changed my life. it helped boost my singing career. I was about to give up. At TERN, we are a family; they always encourage me.”
Baker explains that his song ‘I’m Free’, which he wrote 11 years ago, will be released soon.
Koopman encourages artists to not give up on their dreams.
“If we, as local artists, can be in the position that we are now, being an extra in a movie and uplifting others, then why can’t others do it? It is our mission to make it possible for them to have the same vision so that they can grow too. Hard work does pay off.”
