A Cape Town rap trio has been selected to represent South Africa at the Coast to Coast Live competition in New York, USA.
However, the gents who call themselves M.A.D (Make A Difference), need R80 000 to reach Sunnydale on 8 November.
The trio consists of Bioni Louis, 23, from Woodstock, Nathaniel Smith, 19, from Parow and Maurice Wilson, 18, from Worcester.
Coast to Coast is the largest artist showcase in the world, with scouts touring countries looking for the next stars in the hip hop music and dance genres with a grand prize of $50 000 (nearly R750 000) up for grabs.
The group says the money they need will cover travel, accommodation and their visas.
Group leader Bioni says: “We were approached by Coast to Coast to submit our music to them for a competition and, to our surprise, we ended up winning the first round.
“Us going to the USA and winning the $50 000 will give us the funds we need to expand and establish a community centre which will house studios, equipment and facilities that will enable us to train and reach the youth in our community and also branch out and make this movement of change nationwide.”
The trio has been doing their own fundraisers.
“We are performing at gigs to make up the money, but we have a long way to go. We’re on R10 000 now.”
For donations, contact Bioni at 083 8615 059 or email [email protected].