Building the future of the South African Entertainment Industry

While you were waking up last Saturday, sipping on your morning coffee, the Future Sound team headed to the Grand West Arena for High School Jam. The schools taking part filled the arena with an excitement you would expect from a World Cup final. Imagine walking into an arena with 5000 people waiting for the next performance. From every corner you could hear the yells of youth, the screams of support and the sounds of beating drums in support of classmates who would show casing talents that might never be seen if it was not for High School Jam.

The team headed in search for the school with the best performances and the best all out school spirit. Many schools took part in this with the 2014 beneficiary school being Langa High School to inaugurate the beginning of the 2015 High School Jam. The sheer talent and excitement that surrounded the foyer of the arena just showed where the future of South African culture is headed. Students, parents and scholars entered in numbers to support their friends and fellow pupils. One of the Judges Mr Jazz started the competition saying, “We are looking for entertainment value”, as the team, we can confirm that the goal was achieved.

The Competition is held annually with 10 schools competing from around the Western Cape. Bringing schools, communities friends and families together the event aims to develop the self-esteem and the belief of the students who without this opportunity would not be able to further their gifts. Students are mentored by producers, choreographers, directors and industry professionals a like.

In recent years there has been talk of the competition expanding because of the increase in the quality of the performances. It’s no wonder why sponsors are fighting to be involved with the event that provides a stepping-stone for youth’s from all spectrums of life. Elsies River High School proved that it doesn’t take a background in production and music to win the competition. They have been consistent in their performances and as a result they have won the competition for three years running. One thing is for sure there is something in the water at Elsies River High School, the other competing schools will have to do something special to become the top musical school.

Written By: Athi Rulashe

Edited By: Tarren Olckers