Based: Johannesburg
Buskaid is a world‑renowned South African music education charity and string ensemble based in Diepkloof, Soweto, dedicated to nurturing young musicians from disadvantaged communities through high‑quality classical music tuition, performance training and life‑changing opportunities.
Founded in 1992 by British violist Rosemary Nalden, Buskaid began as a grassroots string project in Soweto and has since grown into a respected music school and international performing ensemble. After fundraising in the UK to support young township string players, Nalden moved to Johannesburg and formally established the Buskaid Soweto String Project in 1997, eventually opening the Buskaid Music School — the first purpose‑built music school of its kind in the area.
Buskaid’s mission is to offer string instrument tuition of the highest international standards to children and young adults from under‑resourced communities, providing lessons on violin, viola, cello and double bass, as well as music theory and ensemble performance. Beyond musical training, the programme fosters confidence, discipline and academic development, opening pathways for students both locally and abroad.
The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble — the organisation’s flagship performing group — has achieved international acclaim, completing more than two dozen international tours and performing at prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Highlight engagements include appearances at the BBC Proms in London (making them the only African classical orchestra to ever do so), collaborations with celebrated artists and conductors, and performances for dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and Michelle Obama.
Buskaid alumni have gone on to distinguished musical careers, with several earning scholarships and degrees from elite institutions such as the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in the UK, and later performing professionally in orchestras and ensembles worldwide.
As both an educational institution and a performing ensemble, Buskaid continues to create employment opportunities for students as performers, teachers and music professionals, while using the universal language of music to transform lives, strengthen community and inspire audiences locally and internationally.
