16 June 2025 – Youth Day Special: In Conversation with Upcoming Artists: The State of Music, Art & Culture in our Township
Youth Expression through Performance and Dialogue
How do we reimagine the cultural economy of our township? This article dives into the current state of youth participation in music, art and culture expression, based on our engagements, events, and field interviews with local artists. Challenges such as funding, lack of performance venues, and limited mentorship are explored alongside the incredible resilience of young creatives. We also propose pathways forward: community festivals, creative workshops, and collaborative art spaces anchored by organizations such as 489Movement. Culture is not a side project – it’s a foundation for dignity and possibility.
Held on Youth Day 2025 at Are-Ipeleng Primary School, this intimate event featured young rappers, poets, dancers, and paint artists sharing their stories, struggles, and inspiration. Guests speaker and Khuma Film Festival founder, Ms. Naomi Mokhele anchored the conversation on how township-based creatives can access opportunities, build their brands, and remain authentic. This youth-led talk show-style event was creative explosion, where performers met purpose.
Through this platform, 489Movement is amplifying artistic voices often excluded from mainstream spaces – one conversation at a time.
