A Cape Town guitarist has moved back home to fulfil his lifelong dream of starting a music school.
Lotus River-born musician Cameron Ward moved to Johannesburg 10 years ago to work full-time with music legends such as Hugh Masekela, Mi Casa, Lira, and Judith Sephuma, and is currently a music director for Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
But the national lockdown has motivated the father of three to make some changes in his life and he decided to relocate back to Cape Town with a mission to invest his time and talent into his own community.
Cameron, 32, is now planning to launch the Cameron Ward Music Foundation next month at the YMCA Rotary Club in Strandfontein.
Excited to launch the Cameron Ward Music Foundation in Cape Town soon watch the space 😀
Posted by Cameron Ward on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
“I always wanted to give back to my community in a special way and decided with my wife to start the Cameron Ward Music Foundation to help, empower and uplift people in disadvantaged communities,” he says.
He moved back earlier this month and says: “Being a young boy from Lotus River, I joined Bra Hugh’s band when I was 21.
“Because of Covid-19 and the pandemic, all our tours and shows were cancelled including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival to name one, so I decided to focus more on developing and teaching the next generation.
“I am still very active in Jozi, producing, recording sessions and music directing artists and bands, but my heart was always here in Cape Town.”
Cameron says the academy is a dream come true.
“This has been a lifelong dream for me, to see the people of Cape Town lifted and reaching for their goals.
"Cape Town is rich in culture and diversity and with this comes the blessing of great musicians among us,” he says.
The academy will focus on various aspects of music including music theory, vocal lessons, instrument lessons and loads more.
To join the academy and for more details, contact Jodi on 079 904 4408 or email [email protected].