KIAMBU, Kenya-Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has praised Ghetto Classics for its role in empowering vulnerable young people through music, mentorship, and education, describing the programme as a shining example of how investing in talent can transform lives and communities.
Speaking during the Ghetto Classics Charity Golf Tournament at Migaa Golf Club in Kiambu County on Saturday, Margaret Kenyatta lauded the initiative’s 18-year journey of nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for children and youth from underserved communities.
“What began as a bold vision has grown into a movement that continues to transform the lives of young people, families, and communities,” she said.
Margaret Kenyatta, who serves as Patron of Ghetto Classics, said the programme has evolved into a powerful platform for social change by using music to inspire hope, discipline, and confidence among young people.
Founded under the Art of Music Foundation, Ghetto Classics has become a beacon of hope for thousands of children and youth living in disadvantaged communities. Beyond music education, the programme provides mentorship, scholarships, welfare support, and life skills aimed at helping beneficiaries realise their full potential.
According to Margaret Kenyatta, the Foundation currently supports more than 1,500 young people through its various programmes. Participants receive musical training, instruments, scholarships, food support, and access to mentorship and social welfare services that also benefit their families.
“Ghetto Classics is not simply a music programme. It is a story of hope, discipline, courage, and transformation,” she said.
“It uses the power of music to change lives, especially for young people living in underprivileged communities.”
She noted that many graduates of the programme have gone on to achieve remarkable success, performing on national and international stages, securing scholarships, travelling abroad, and returning to mentor younger participants.
The former First Lady urged individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to continue supporting youth-focused initiatives, saying investments in music and the arts can have far-reaching social and economic benefits.
“Supporting programmes such as Ghetto Classics is not just philanthropy. It is an investment in human potential, community development, and the future of our country,” she said.
Ghetto Classics founder Elizabeth Njoroge echoed the sentiments, describing music as a powerful tool for social transformation and empowerment.
“Music opens doors for our children that they would not ordinarily walk through. At the end of the day, we are going to change Kenya through music,” Njoroge said.
The charity golf tournament brought together sponsors, partners, supporters, and members of the Ghetto Classics family to raise resources for the programme and reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders.
Organisers said the event highlighted the growing impact of arts-based interventions in addressing social challenges while creating pathways for education, employment, and personal development among young people across Kenya.
