Music Exchange – Reflections on the Beaufort West Workshop (28 February)

On 28 February we spent a full day in Beaufort West with TNG Records and Muhammad “SoulStopper” Plaatjies, hosting a Music Exchange workshop for local creatives.

The session ran from 9:00am until 2:30pm, and what stood out most throughout the day was the genuine hunger to learn.

The young people in the room were engaged, curious, and eager to understand how they could develop their craft and build something meaningful through music.

For me, it was a real joy to travel to Beaufort West and share knowledge with creatives who are clearly passionate about their futures. Spaces like this remind us why workshops and mentorship matter.

When artists are given access to information, guidance, and encouragement, you can see the spark immediately. There is talent in this town, a great deal of it and it simply needs opportunities and support to grow.

It was also particularly special to have my wife in the room during the workshop. She could see and hear firsthand the determination of these young creatives and the seriousness with which they approach their ambitions.

Their enthusiasm made it clear that they are not looking for handouts; they are looking for tools, guidance, and spaces where they can develop safely and consistently.

One of the challenges that became very apparent during discussions is the lack of accessible and safe creative spaces in the town. Many facilities exist but remain locked and unavailable to the young people who need them most.

Without safe environments to rehearse, record, or collaborate, creativity becomes much harder to sustain. Beaufort West also faces significant social challenges, and several participants expressed the feeling that if the municipality does not step forward to support these initiatives, the community itself will need to find ways to address these gaps.

Encouragingly, there are individuals already stepping up to do exactly that. Muhammad “SoulStopper” Plaatjies is one of them.

Having mentored him since 2018, it is incredibly rewarding to see how far he has come. He has taken the knowledge and tools shared over the years and is actively building opportunities for others. One of the most inspiring developments is his annual festival, which now showcases talent from across the Beaufort West area and provides local artists with a platform to be seen and heard.

Looking ahead, one of the most immediate needs identified during the workshop is access to musical instruments.

Muhammad is currently working on an initiative to introduce music education to children in Grade 4 and 5, but for this to succeed, instruments are essential. Guitars and keyboards would make a significant difference, allowing young learners to experience music practically rather than only theoretically.

The day in Beaufort West reinforced an important truth: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. When communities, mentors, and supporters come together, however, those opportunities can be created.

The energy in the room on 28 February made it clear that with the right support, Beaufort West has the potential to nurture a vibrant and sustainable creative community.

This workshop was a reminder that the work of building that future has already begun.