In 2006, Pokie Klaas met Mark Johnson from The Playing For change Foundation (US) and expressed his desire to set up a schol for township jazz. Pokie has already been running asuch school on an informal basis for around 15 years here on one of the roughest streets in gugulethu. Many outstanding building musicians have now passed through the doors including Sakhiwo Noboza who recently graduated from UCT in trumep and vocals, well known drummer Stix Mrwebi and saxophonist Calendar Mexico. Veteran musician Mafisto, already accomplished in hes field, learned to read and write music here.
It was always Pokie's long term ambition to establish a self-sustaining, permanent venue for the school – which could exist for years to come and which could bring huge benefit to the local community. Not only could such a school train young people in music, but it would also serve as a way of keeping them away from the temptations of crime and drugs.
Pokie imagined a school which would have several gifted and responsible local teachers, that was fully equipped with a range of instruments and in a safe and welcoming environment.
Now this dream is coming to fruition in the Ntonga's Playing for change Music and Arts School (NPCMAS).
Pokie telling the story
Pokie's house
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