Let's Get Leo to London!

Let’s help Leo Letsape of Ocean View, Cape Town, South Africa and multi-talented leader of the eMzantsi Bloka carnival band, to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an exchange programme in London in November organised by Kinetika Bloco. Leo has been invited to take part in a week of workshops involving youth bands and choirs from across the UK alongside musicians from Nigeria and Ukraine. This process will culminate in a spectacular collaboration called ‘On Mass’ at the Roundhouse on November 15th, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, featuring internationally famous pianist Jamie Cullum. eMzantsi Carnival’s UK partners are paying for Leo’s flights, but we need to cover his accommodation and living expenses, plus support his two young children while he is away. Please consider donating – every little helps, especially when it’s R21 to the £1!

Picture shows Leo (right) with Claude Deppa, musical director of Kinetika Bloco and legendary jazz trumpeter, who, on a visit to Ocean View in July, was so impressed by both Leo's musicianship and the mentorship he has provided to local youth since 2010, said “I am jealous of Leo. In a few years, he has made more of an impact here, more of a difference to these kids, than I can do in a lifetime in London.” It's payback time - please help us help Leo take his next step up, and carry his community with him.