image and caption by
Jodi Bieber
Jiving with Johnny.
Johnny Seotlolla lives with his mother and two sisters in Barcelona Squatter Camp in Daveyton Township, east of Johannesburg. He learnt to play the alto tuba atchurch and after school he joined the Music Academy of Gauteng to learn the trumpet. This incredible jazz academy was set up by Johnny Mekoa, a musician who has played with some of the South African greats such as Abdullah lbrahim, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela.
The Academy is financially supported by development agencies and businesses and was set up to help less privileged South African youth. It is based in an old electricity warehouse and has basic facilities.
‘The sky is the limit for these young musicians through dedication, hard work and discipline.’- Johnny Seotlolla
