For the very first time Bridges for Music academy has partnered with the iconic festival EDC Las Vegas, to build an African-inspired stage for the best talent on the continent. A ground-breaking showcase of Africa’s leading sounds, from AfroHouse to Amapiano or Afrobeats will premiere this May at the biggest dance music festival in the USA.
Embodying the spirit of UBUNTU, an African philosophy that embodies interconnectedness and humanity towards others, this is more than a stage; it’s a movement rooted in community, connection, and collaboration across cultures. For three electrifying days, South African artists like Uncle Waffles, DJ Lag, Da Capo, Kasango as well as Nigerian superstar Sarz or Zambian Kilimanjaro will offer a rich sonic journey across new music genres that are taking the world by storm. The line up will also include artists from Africa’s diaspora, showcasing all the local collectives who are pushing the sound and culture.
In the words of Valentino Barrioseta, Founder of Bridges for Music.
“This partnership between EDC and Bridges for Music is more than music, it is about impact and community and the ripple effects will be felt far away from Las Vegas, on a grass root level”
For over a decade, Bridges for Music has worked in under-resourced communities, building the pioneering Bridges Academy in Langa where young people are trained on music, mindfulness, computer literacy and entrepreneurial skills, developing them into sustainable pathways in the music industry and in some cases into global stages. The UBUNTU stage is an extension of this mission—amplifying African excellence while inspiring a new generation of artists and changemakers. UBUNTU by Bridges for Music is about celebrating the stories, the communities, and the roots behind the music.
Bridges for Music, is a non-profit organisation located in the heart of South Africa’s oldest township, Langa. It focuses on empowering young talent from under-served communities to become creative change-makers. We provide 21st century tools – both psychosocial and entrepreneurial – equipping them with the skills to thrive in the creative industries.
Employing a methodology rooted in “Self Determination Theory”, they develop resilient, self-ware, and self-efficacious agents of change who are able to transcend the cycles of poverty and trauma that circumscribe them and their communities. They offer full time courses, The Talent Development Programme (TDP) which provides early-carer musicians with a springboard to nurture their musical talent while also equipping them with a set of tools and skills designed to help them move into the next phase of their lives with greater direction, purpose and motivation.
The goal of the TDP is more music, better humans, brighter futures and more resilient communities.
The Pioneer Pro DJ course is an 8-week intensive course for those wanting to become DJ’s.. This is an all access pass to the world of DJing. Guided by real working DJ’s and industry professionals who’ve lived it, played it, and earned from it. Around 250 students have graduated over the 4 years that Bridges for Music has been operational in South Africa.
Join us at EDC Las Vegas for this extraordinary already SOLD OUT celebration.
