Spikiri, Skoko urge youth to lead clean lives
ALEXANDRA - Popular artists Spikiri and Skoko with Nkiyase advise youth on education and clean living
Multi-award winning artist and doyen of the kwaito, pop and Afro-pop industry, Mandla Mofokeng aka Spikiri, gave of his time to urge Alex’s aspirant young artists to lead positive lives if they want to be achievers in their chosen careers.
Mofokeng was joined by musician and dramatist Lebo Mpeoa aka Skoko, and Alex songstress Nkiyase Mondlane.
The visit, facilitated by the Mondlane’s Nkiyase Lifestyle Project in partnership with Alex FM Radio, was part of a programme to draw in leaders and prominent figures to help boost the township’s ailing image to the outside world. The initiative also aims to expose the good coming from the township such as its African cuisine eateries, and to encourage youths faced with a myriad of social and economic challenges.
The youths seemed to heed the artists’ wise advice on the merits of clean living as the pathway to stardom, fame and fortune.
Drawing from his 33 years of industry experience and involvement in charitable causes, Mofokeng urged the youth to commit to education, saying it was the only gateway to sustainable success for any profession. “Regardless of social status and physical condition, education, coupled with commitment, makes nothing impossible,” he said urging the youth to seek and listen to guidance and encouragement from experienced mentors.
Skoko advised the youth to mend their ways, abstain from substance abuse, crime and other anti-social conduct. “You should live by a vision, concentrate on school and plan for the future, believe in yourself, engage in youth-related activities provided by government, local organisations and corporates.”
He suggested that schools should conduct weekly workshops on youth career guidance so that they can make informed choices. “This will keep [the youth] away from negative temptations,” he said.
Host of the gathering, Nick Kgasi of Nickma’s Kitchen commended the event and said that prominent artists helped youths to think positively, and encouraged them to emulate their heroes and stay away from crime. The youthful Kgasi started his business in 2010 when he took advantage of the positive business environment due to the soccer World Cup, and he hasn’t looked back.
He said success and fame in any venture weren’t instant but derived from commitment, hard work and heeding advice.
