Goethe-Institut SA to host children's marimba band fundraiser

The band, which comes from the Orange Farm township in South Africa, has been active since 2000; every day, after school, children come and play marimbas and drums, and sing and dance at the house of teacher Mike Makoni.

This year they have been invited to perform at the Okavango Delta Music Festival in Botswana. Achikids now need to raise their own funds to get there, with Goethe-Institut providing its space in Parkwood for the fundraiser.

Achikids have composed many of their own songs, and know dozens of standard tunes. They play at weddings and parties, and sometimes at corporate events. They have played at the National Marimba Festival on five occasions and won many prizes there. 

If sufficient funds are obtained, they hope to record their own CD. If there are any funds left after that, they will go towards maintaining instruments, and for transport to future concerts.

The members of the band have also become excellent teachers for other kids, evolving their own method of teaching that entails standing on the other side of the marimba, and showing the pupil which notes to play, with their hands. 

The Achikids have passed on the skills of dancing and singing to each other over the years. Some of the kids have now grown up and have kids of their own. But they often return to Mike’s house to teach the young ones, or to help out at events. 

The fundraising event, which takes place from 3pm to 5pm, will also feature the BDI troupe, an interactive sculpture circus that has been performing at festivals and events for more than 21 years. BDI incorporates kinetic sculpture, pyrotechnics, stilt walkers, giant puppets, recycling, juggling, street theatre, outrageous costumes and masks. The troupe will also perform at Okavango Delta Music Festival.

Should interested individuals wish to donate to this cause, the banking details are as follows:

Achi Kids
Capitec savings:1635532602
Code: 470010  

For more information, contact Derek at derek.davey44@gmail.com and on 083 548 5916 or Mike on 072 235 5988.

View the Achikids Facebook page here.