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Eddy Grant, reggae musician, is currently in South Africa to record a new album at the Gallo Studios in downtown Johannesburg.

The TAXI Art Education Programme group who practise their music at the Gallo downtown studios had the pleasure of a special visit from Grant. The group waited patiently for Grant to finish recording so they could have a chance to hear the man share his experiences in the music industry and the world.

Grant spent an hour with the group sharing some of the wisdom he has gained over the years. He also gave some advise on how they should filter any and all information they receive especially information from the media.

Grant said, “You switch on the television and there is nothing on Africa. Through the media you are told how to dress, what to eat. They have taken away our (African) culture this media. You as young African musicians are disadvantaged, you don’t know what music to make because you are told what people like. As musicians you have to fight for the chance to play African music. Be who you are, that is when you’ll have the opportunity to be appreciated.”

He encouraged them as young people to have a strong self identity and not to be easily influenced. “If you don’t understand who you are and where you stand. You will be anybodies. You will be told by anyone what to be.”said Grant

When asked by the group what he thinks about the xenophobia attacks that were happening he commented, “xenophobia will go with proper education. Gaining of understanding and access to services will strengthen bonds between African brothers and sisters.”

He left the team with the words, “Understand you have something to offer the world. The only value a musician has is his/her value to the community. What ever you do must benefit your community”

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