Bridges for Music

Bridges for Music A non-profit organization harnessing the power of the global music community to leave positive impact in developing communities through education

Bridges for Music is a non-profit organization supporting electronic music development in developing countries, leaving a positive impact in disadvantaged communities and helping to raise global awareness about local issues through music. TEAM:

- Director: Valentino Barrioseta
- Global Operations & Events: Amie Elliott, Blaise Janichon
- Finance and Administration: Bianca Kaiser
- Bridges Acad

emy South Africa: Thulani Headman, Siviwe Mbinda, Lihle Lekker, Athanathi Mbilini, Leon Jafta, Bongiwe
- South Africa Directors: Themba Nkosi, Shaun Duwe, Trenton Birch, Valentino Barrioseta
- USA Directors: Liz Miller, Robert H Dyar, Valentino Barrioseta
- UK Directors: Ralf Kollmann, Lars Erik Mangset, Eric Grotefeld
- Social Media: Circulate

When two organisations rooted in underserved communities share one belief, that music can change a young life, something...
21/08/2026

When two organisations rooted in underserved communities share one belief, that music can change a young life, something bigger happens ✨

Masiviolinoutreach Outreach’s Legacy Ensemble recently joined our Creative Club at the Bridges Academy as part of their Legacy Tour 2026.

For our teenagers, an instrument means more than a skill, it’s focus, discipline and belonging, at an age when the pull of risk around them is real. Having musicians who share the same harsh realities as our students, return to teach and mentor makes that belief tangible.

This is what collaboration in this work should look like. 💛
Thank you to everyone whose support keeps making days like this possible.

19/08/2026

It’s 30 years of and 10 years of our Bridges community of friends and partners riding to make a positive impact. This October, we’re back on the road, from London to Amsterdam, 20–21 October, 230km, one ferry crossing, all in support of .academy.💛🎶

Thank you to our longtime partners and for riding this anniversary edition with us.

⏳ We’ve extended early bird and now ends 31 August.
👉 Sign up now via the link in bio 🚲

Do you love connecting people and building relationships that matter? 😊We’re on the hunt for a Partnerships Manager to j...
18/08/2026

Do you love connecting people and building relationships that matter? 😊

We’re on the hunt for a Partnerships Manager to join the Bridges for Music family, someone who can build genuine, lasting relationships with brands, funders and partners, helpings us open more doors for young people to grow through music, creativity and entrepreneurship.

If you’re passionate about relationship-building, organised and just as comfortable in a boardroom as you are on the ground with our community, Bridges could be your next home.

Bonus points if you’re fluent in English and isiXhosa and have a few years under your belt in the non-profit, education or arts & culture space.

Applications close 31 August so don’t sit on this one. Tag someone who’d be perfect for it, or visit the link in our bio to apply. 🙏

Summer’s on its way and we know so many of you are already planning your trip to Cape Town!☀️🇿🇦While you’re here, don’t ...
12/08/2026

Summer’s on its way and we know so many of you are already planning your trip to Cape Town!☀️🇿🇦

While you’re here, don’t miss our experiences, hands-on Afrohouse & Amapiano DJing and dance workshops, traditional AmaGwijo and drumming, there’s also a guided Langa Heritage Tour, tailored to individuals or groups.

For this summer though, we’re turning it up even more. Stay tuned, we’ve got something special coming. 👀

Want to book an experience or learn more about us? Email us at [email protected] or visit our website for more!

Today, all of South Africa honours our Mbokodos, the women who dare to be different in a male-dominated industry and who...
09/08/2026

Today, all of South Africa honours our Mbokodos, the women who dare to be different in a male-dominated industry and who dare even more in South Africa’s development sector, arguably one of the toughest spaces of all. 🇿🇦

Despite the challenges many women in this country continue to face, they choose to rise. They lead creative sessions, mentor young musicians, run programmes, build communities and create opportunities, often while carrying more than their share.

Today, we say thank you! For your resilience, your leadership, your creativity and your commitment to shaping a better future.

Happy Women’s Day to every woman rising above. We see you, we celebrate you and we stand with you. ❤️💜🎶

We’re back on the bikes, reuniting with our Bridges family. 💛🚴 On 20-21 October, our riders leave London for Amsterdam —...
07/08/2026

We’re back on the bikes, reuniting with our Bridges family. 💛🚴

On 20-21 October, our riders leave London for Amsterdam — 230km, chasing Amsterdam Dance Event but really, chasing something bigger ✨

Every kilometre we ride has a name behind it, a student, a mentor, a studio session that almost wouldn’t have happened without this community.

The route’s set and sign-ups are open, let’s make this your year to finally cycle to Amsterdam Dance Event!

As the vision grows, the mission and the people behind it matter more than ever.It’s a new era for Bridges for Music, st...
05/08/2026

As the vision grows, the mission and the people behind it matter more than ever.

It’s a new era for Bridges for Music, stronger governance, deeper expertise, and more voices at the table shaping where we go next.

Swipe to meet the people joining our Board and Advisory team and help welcome them in the comments. 💜💛

For archiebald mabuya , opportunity often starts in unexpected places, sometimes in a studio, with a gift just waiting for the right space to grow. That’s exactly why Bridges for Music resonates with him.

As he joins our South African Board, Archie brings governance and development finance experience that will help us build for the long term.

Welcome aboard, Archie. We’re building boldly, together.

Some board members join us from the outside. Boipelo Mpye is coming home. 🏡

A Bridges for Music short courses graduate, Boipelo is a multidisciplinary creative with a passion for art, music and media and she’s built a career in financial services, holding qualifications in financial management and risk management.

She knows this community from the inside, and she’s passionate about connecting creativity, business and purpose to create meaningful impact.

Welcome to the Board, Boipelo. Full circle looks good on you

Born in Cape Town. Shaped by Langa and London. A career built across the biggest names in music. Meet Sthenkosi [Kosi.] Sompeta] Sompeta🎧

A decade in the global music industry, with roles at Warner Music, Universal, Sony and TikTok’s SoundOn, Kosi has worked across every corner of the business, from major label marketing, live events to cultural entrepreneurship and partnerships.

He’s also the founder of co.za, a 360 creative agency bridging South African talent to the world.

Welcome to the UK Board, Kosi.

Lauren Bright has spent over two decades where energy, people and possibility collide and now she’s bringing all of that to Bridges for Music. ✨

From live entertainment sponsorship to major sporting events, nonprofit leadership, fundraising and executive coaching, Lauren’s experience is as broad as it is deep.

As an Advisory Board Member, she’ll help our young creatives move from potential to pathway.

Welcome, Lauren. We’re glad you’re here!

From Spot

As our vision grows, so does the responsibility of the people behind it. We’re entering a new era, welcoming new voices ...
24/07/2026

As our vision grows, so does the responsibility of the people behind it.

We’re entering a new era, welcoming new voices to our Board and Advisory team, bringing fresh perspectives and stronger governance to carry this mission forward.

Swipe through to meet them and help us welcome each member in the comments.👇

With nearly 20 years of experience across media, music, and technology, Melanie Carmen Triegaardt brings expertise in cultural strategy, audience growth and the future of AI in the creative industries.

Joining our Board, she’s passionate about expanding access to creative education and building sustainable opportunities for emerging talent across Africa.

Welcome aboard, Melanie.🔥

Archie Mabuya is a dual-qualified Chartered Accountant with an MPhil in Development Finance, Archie brings over a decade of experience driving growth, development and long-term impact across Africa.

Joining our Board, he’ll help strengthen our governance and build a more sustainable, scalable future for Bridges for Music.

Welcome aboard, Archie. 🚀

A decade of experience across Warner Music, Universal, Sony and TikTok’s SoundOn, Sthenkosi [Kosi.] Sompeta] Sompeta brings deep expertise in the global music industry.

As founder of co.za global, he’s passionate about connecting emerging African talent with the world stage.

Joining our UK Board, Kosi brings a unique blend of industry insight and cultural perspective to help shape our next chapter.

Welcome aboard, Kosi 🎧

Lauren Bright holds over 20 years of experience spanning fundraising, partnerships, live events, nonprofit leadership and executive coaching, Lauren brings a wealth of expertise to our Advisory Board.

She’s passionate about helping young creatives turn potential into opportunity through leadership, confidence and meaningful partnerships.

Welcome aboard, Lauren. ✨

An advocate with expertise in law, governance, and community development, Ama has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for young people through arts and culture.

Joining our Board, she brings the strategic leadership and governance needed to help strengthen our long-term impact.

Welcome aboard, Ama. 😊

Some board members join us from the outside. Boipelo Mpye

93.3% of chart-topping songs over the past 13 years were made without a single woman producer (USC Annenberg Inclusion I...
21/07/2026

93.3% of chart-topping songs over the past 13 years were made without a single woman producer (USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, 2025). In South Africa, where access to studios and industry networks is already limited, that gap runs even deeper.

Bridges Academy Academy aims to close this gab, equipping young South African women with access to facilities, mentorship and real industry access.

To every young woman who’s made space for herself in this industry: we see you. 🙌

We can’t do it alone. Partner with us to help us equip more young women with the access they deserve.

Source: USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (2025). Inclusion in the Music Business.

Some people build spaces. Monique Schiess builds worlds and everything she touches carries the spirit: creativity as a f...
15/07/2026

Some people build spaces. Monique Schiess builds worlds and everything she touches carries the spirit: creativity as a force for community and change.

Her career has centred on co-created events, from the iconic Mother City Q***r Project to co-founding and coordinating AfrikaBurn and Streetopia. She’s been a game ranger, an environmental consultant and by her own account, a bit of a fire starter, instigating and midwifing countless creative and civic projects into being. The throughline: community building and transformative experience as the bedrock for whatever comes next.

Today, we’re proud to welcome her as the first woman to chair the Bridges For Music board, a milestone for us and a reflection of the leadership we want to keep building around.

Monique Schiess, welcome to the Bridges family! 🎶

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37 Washington Street, Langa
Cape Town

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