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 Academy 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

08/10/2026

Congratulations to all the DJs who made this year’s TOP 100 DJs list and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated to support us here at Bridges For Music. ❤️

Thanks to your generosity and support, we’ve exceeded our fundraising goal! We couldn’t be prouder to see the global dance music community come together to make such a difference. A reminder that the future of dance music is in good hands.

This marks our second year partnering with on this campaign and this one was particularly special, with our very own .academy alum .yamz taking to the stage and playing her first-ever set at what a moment!

Our donation link is still live, so there’s still time to support the campaign and help us create more opportunities for the next generation of talent.

Find out more and donate via the link in our bio. 🔗

It’s ADE month and on October 22, Bridges For Music is taking over art'otel Amsterdam for Amsterdam Dance Event 🟡 By Day...
02/10/2026

It’s ADE month and on October 22, Bridges For Music is taking over art'otel Amsterdam for Amsterdam Dance Event 🟡

By Day - we’ll be hosting networking mixers, wellness through music sessions while connecting the people carrying Africa’s sound forward.

By Night - they’ll be label showcases, networking opportunities and mixers spotlighting African talent.

All this in collaboration with Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) BFM Records Paradise Worldwide, oskidoibelieve, The Good Times Co, OBDO SAMPRA, presenting House of A!

We hope to see you there :
22 OCTOBER
ART’Hotel Amsterdam

Entry is free!

24/09/2026

Today in SA it’s Heritage Day and nothing makes us prouder than sharing some of ours with ’s story and her life-changing international debut at , before there were only dreams. No stage, no big crowd, just Shwelly from Langa and a culture running deep through her blood.

This is Shwelly’s story, our heritage, our music, our inheritance.

I am, because we are.

Full documentary is live now, link in bio

🎥

21/09/2026

Over the last decade, our partnership with , has played a vital role in the success of our fundraising initiatives, namely cycle from London to Amsterdam Dance Music Festival. 

Together through the ride, we’ve built an academy space, created access for over 900 young creatives from marginalized communities in South Africa, brought together over 400 dance music lovers, industry officials and DJ’s to challenge themselves and rally their communities to fundraise in aid of Bridges For Music.

We’re excited to set off on the 20th of October and need your help to push our riders to the finish line. Our goal this year is 100K to sponsor 100 students for the 10th edition. 

🔗 Donate through the link in bio.

Weekend two, let’s get into it. 🎶                                More sounds, more selectors, more reasons to spend your...
10/09/2026

Weekend two, let’s get into it. 🎶
More sounds, more selectors, more reasons to spend your weekend at Neighbourgoods.

South Africa is a young country with 16.5 million people and 26.2% of the population are under 15. 🇿🇦But as young people...
08/09/2026

South Africa is a young country with 16.5 million people and 26.2% of the population are under 15. 🇿🇦

But as young people grow up in the country, the pathway into any opportunity remains uncertain.

As it stands, 36.4% of 15–24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training, pushing up youth unemployment to 47.4%.

At the same time, the creative industries are evolving, creating new possibilities while demanding new skillset.

This is where we come in.

At Bridges for Music, we believe access to creative education is part of preparing young people for an increasingly complex world, providing a space where they’re able to experiment, reimagine their realities, push boundaries and connect with the right communities.

Because talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t.

Help us continue to make access possible by donating towards our initiatives or partner with us to make collective positive change.

September sounds a little more meaningful at Neighbourgoods. For Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the sounds and storie...
04/09/2026

September sounds a little more meaningful at Neighbourgoods.

For Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the sounds and stories that make Cape Town so culturally rich. Together with Bridges for Music, we’re highlighting undiscovered local talent paired with familiar favourites to the market every weekend this September.

Come hungry. Leave with a different perspective.

Early bird entries close Monday! 💛🚴Ride our 10th edition ride of 230km from London to Amsterdam in support of creative e...
28/08/2026

Early bird entries close Monday! 💛🚴

Ride our 10th edition ride of 230km from London to Amsterdam in support of creative education at the Bridges Academy in Langa, South Africa.

100% of proceeds support our programmes, helping young people access music, skills and opportunities.

📍 London → Amsterdam
🚴 230km | 2 countries
🎟️ ADE Pro Pass included
🎯 Fundraising target: €100

Thanks to our sponsors@amsterdamdanceevent AlphaTheta EMEA & Resident Advisor for making the last decade possible!

🔗 Sign Up Now. Link in bio.

Music is helping young minds grow now more than ever! A 2026 study published in npj Science of Learning adds to growing ...
25/08/2026

Music is helping young minds grow now more than ever!

A 2026 study published in npj Science of Learning adds to growing evidence that music training can support executive functions in children, the cognitive skills we use to focus, remember, regulate ourselves and solve problems. (Nature⁠)

That’s why our Creative Club is about so much more than just an extra mural. Every afternoon, our youngest co-creators learn music, dance, marimba and music production while building creativity, confidence and skills for life.

Help us give more young people the space to learn, create and grow. 🌻

Donate today via link in bio and invest in their future. ❤️

Address

37 Washington Street, Langa
Cape Town

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