Beatboxing the Constitution in celebration of Youth Month

Chairman Ivor Ichikowitz commissioned urban music practitioner, Jean Kitenge to create Constitution-themed workshops for learners using the musical art form of Beatboxing. Kitenge’s urban sound of vocal gymnastics and machine-like precision supports the roll out of The Foundation’s initiatives in the education sector in partnership with Constitution Hill. The expansive campaign created by The Foundation aims to reach all corners of South Africa, to promote the values and benefits of the Constitution by encouraging interaction and dialogue among all who live in South Africa.

To kick-start the series of Beat Box experiences, The Foundation partners with Joburg’s City Sightseeing Red Bus for a journey conducted by Master of Ceremonies, Kitenge and his dramatic audio commentary. Learners from Chief Albert Luthuli Primary and High Schools in Daveyton will be joining this Youth Month adventure with #IamConstitution. These learners shine with their own Constitution-themed extra-curricular programmes and will enjoy a special beatbox performance and workshop with Jean Kitenge at Constitution Hill following the Red Bus tour.

As part of the #IamConstitution Beat Box experience, the Luthuli Primary School learners will showcase a short extract of their theatre piece about Chief Albert Luthuli, inspired by the It’s a Fine Line permanent exhibition at the Old Fort prison cells. The exchange of Kitenge’s beatbox urban music with song and dance by Luthuli School learners highlights the strength of future generations to engage in dialogue no matter what their age.

IAMCONSTITUTION - Beat Box from Indelible Media on Vimeo.

Ichikowitz says: “The Constitution is a roadmap for our nation, and in a multicultural country like ours, it is our most precious asset. We have a duty to protect it for the future of our youth. Our Foundation asks South Africans to review the dreams and hopes of all those who have gone before, to look at our Constitution and determine how far we have come and what we can do to support its values for future generations. We do this by working with those making a difference, those playing their part to promote active citizenship and to continually innovate new ways to engage with our heritage and Constitution.”