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Olebogeng Mlangeni and Phoebe Mgxaji Biography Help Two Young South African Artists Bring Music to Life—In the Community and Beyond!

We are Phoebe and Olebogeng, two South African university music students who have been selected to attend the New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp at Western Michigan University this July. This prestigious opportunity—sponsored in part by Eduvox, Curro and Western Michigan University —will allow us to learn from some of the world’s leading vocal jazz educators.

Now, we are seeking support to cover the remaining costs of travel, visas, and essentials not included in the sponsorship.

But this journey is about more than just us.

Why This MattersOlebogeng is a Johannesburg based artist immersed in the local music scene. His portfolio includes film scoring, musical direction and performing with strong roots in music scholarship. Olebogeng is an explorer, seeking meaning in music while paying homage to his spiritual ethos and his South African musical heritage. His focus is on community music in spiritual and educational spaces, seeking to foster a spirit of unity and communal musicking.Phoebe, from Cape Town, is a vocalist, pianist, and student leader with a vision to elevate music education among the youth. Through performance, teaching, and creative collaboration, she hopes to ensure that music is not treated as a luxury but as a vital part of education, identity, and community building—especially for young South Africans who don’t have access to formal training.She also hopes to empower up and coming female artists like herself to create a better and bigger space for them in this industry. Together, we are not just students—we are leaders, mentors, and change-makers.

Our ExperienceWe bring years of performance, arranging, musical directing, and mentoring experience:

• Phoebe has led student councils, won national science and arts awards, and excelled in solo singing and acting.* Olebogeng has directed choirs and bands, written scores for theatre and film, and received multiple academic and music prizes.

We are active in both sacred and secular music scenes, using our skills to uplift others—be it by training new singers, arranging challenging music for inexperienced choirs, or leading creative projects that blend genres and cultures.

What We NeedWhile our participation at the camp is partially funded, we still need help covering:

• Flight tickets* Visa and travel insurance costs* Local transport and meals

Any support—financial or in spreading the word—brings us closer to seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What We’ll Bring BackWe’re committed to giving back. When we return, we’ll share what we learn through:

• Free workshops for youth, women and church choirs* New music for South African liturgies and schools* Collaborative community projects in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and beyond

This camp is not the end goal—it’s a launchpad. With your help, we can grow not only as musicians but as servants of beauty, truth, and community.

Partner With UsBy supporting this journey, you’re helping build a future where community music is renewed and young people are empowered through song. Thank you for believing in our vision.

With gratitude,Phoebe & Olebogeng