Set up in Limpopo, a deprived region of South Africa, Bezzi's Youth Brass Band has 60 members from local villages.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
Set up in Limpopo, a deprived region of South Africa, Bezzi's Youth Brass Band has 60 members from local villages.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
Since it started out three years ago the band has gone from sharing 10 instruments to having 4 tuba players, 16 trombonists, trumpeters and a group of drummers and drum majorettes.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
Since it started out three years ago the band has gone from sharing 10 instruments to having 4 tuba players, 16 trombonists, trumpeters and a group of drummers and drum majorettes.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
All the band's uniforms are hand made by its founder, local retiree Janet Bezuidenhout.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
All the band's uniforms are hand made by its founder, local retiree Janet Bezuidenhout.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
The 20 drum majorettes in the band lead processions. In their school holidays Bezuidenhout teaches some of them needlework so that they can help to make the uniforms.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
The 20 drum majorettes in the band lead processions. In their school holidays Bezuidenhout teaches some of them needlework so that they can help to make the uniforms.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
Some of the band members used to belong to local gangs in an area plagued by high crime rates. "After 7 or 8 o'clock at night it is difficult to walk around," says Bezuidenhout. "Men lurking on the streets will stab you and take everything in your possession."
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
Some of the band members used to belong to local gangs in an area plagued by high crime rates. "After 7 or 8 o'clock at night it is difficult to walk around," says Bezuidenhout. "Men lurking on the streets will stab you and take everything in your possession."
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
Last year Sarel Ramphele, 17, was awarded a trophy for being the band's best trumpeter. "I used to spend a lot of time on the streets doing nothing. The band keeps my mind fresh and helps me develop," he says.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
Last year Sarel Ramphele, 17, was awarded a trophy for being the band's best trumpeter. "I used to spend a lot of time on the streets doing nothing. The band keeps my mind fresh and helps me develop," he says.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout/Victor Tswele
A young girl in uniform joins in the procession.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
A young girl in uniform joins in the procession.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout
A drum majorette practices her routine. Bezzi's Youth Brass Band has become so popular there is a waiting list of 30 people. Without sponsorship Bezuidenhout cannot cater for them.
Bezzi's Youth Brass Band —
A drum majorette practices her routine. Bezzi's Youth Brass Band has become so popular there is a waiting list of 30 people. Without sponsorship Bezuidenhout cannot cater for them.
Courtesy Janet Bezuidenhout