EMPOWERING
CREATIVITY
TRANSFORMING
LIVES
We empower young creatives from underserved communities through dynamic programs rooted in music, creative entrepreneurship, and well-being.
OUR STORY
Jikela Studios was founded in August 2022 to nurture young talent in Khayelitsha and surrounding townships. We are on a mission to empower youth through music, film, design, and digital literacy, creating opportunities for the next generation of creatives.
Our founder, Lelethu Jikela, brings over 15 years of mentorship experience to thisvision. Read more about him and the incredible team driving Jikela Studios forward.
THE KHAYELITSHA CHALLENGE
- Over 50% of residents face unemployment.
- Around 70% live below the poverty line.
- Limited opportunities for young people.
OUR SOLUTIONS
- Hands-on experience in creative fields.
- Specialized masterclasses and workshops.
- Safe spaces for creative expression.
- Industry connections and career opportunities.
OUR VISION
is to empower Black women, youth, and people with disabilities from underserved communities through industry-focused education in music, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging creativity, we aim to break socio-economic barriers, fostering lasting opportunities for individuals to thrive creatively and economically across townships and beyond.
Jikela Studios Music School Vision
Our music school seeks to empower Black women, youth, and people with disabilities in Khayelitsha through industry-focused music education, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy.
BE PART OF THE CHANGE — HELP US BUILD KHAYELITSHA’S FIRST MUSIC SCHOOL AND EMPOWER YOUNG TALENT
We’re excited to share the design for our new music school in Khayelitsha. The concept balances the open nature of a vibrant learning environment with the need for private creative spaces. This is expressed by a bold curved wall that forms a backdrop for open-air music events, while a layer of screen wall and green garden encloses the recording studios to create privacy and security. The design of the music school, inspired by the sensuous curves of the string instruments, consists of a performance hall, classrooms, recording studios, social areas and an outdoor event space.
our impact
Khayelitsha is one of the most marginalised and poverty-stricken townships in South Africa. We’re working to change this narrative by providing safe spaces, skills, and career opportunities for young people.
