Money Badoo Advocates for Improved Education to Support South Africa’s Upcoming Music Producers. Recently joining YFM to enhance hip hop culture, DJ Sliqe and Roiii have quickly focused on the future of the industry.
Money Badoo Advocates for Enhanced Education for Aspiring South African Music ProducersDuring a straightforward segment on The Agenda, Roiii posed the question, “Sliqe and I are doing this YFM thing. We wanna know from you how we can contribute back to the culture?”
Money Badoo, recognized for her dynamic presence and candid insights, quickly shared a perspective that resonated beyond typical industry discussions.
“I think the best way to contribute to the culture is for us to think about ways that the youth can get educated on music,” she stated. “Because I feel like the youth, even us in the room, we learn from making mistakes, and I feel like the youth don’t need to make mistakes we made because we know about it now.”
Badoo highlighted the persisting gaps in music education despite the plethora of apps and online tutorials available. While technology serves a purpose, it isn’t a standalone solution. She called for a more structured approach to learning that begins from a young age, suggesting that formal education in music should start in primary school to prepare children to produce music effectively rather than learning through trial and error.
A tangible example of this need emerged as she recognized a 17-year-old prodigy, stating, “Shout out to the young Durag, he is a 17-year-old producer. He’s been to LA and back. He’s hosting a mansion party. 17-year-old and guess what? He taught himself all of that. But imagine he had the expertise.”
The audience grasped the significance of this example. Here was a young talent already operating at a professional level, self-taught and making international connections, while lacking the guidance that could help him navigate the industry effectively.
Badoo extended her critique further, pinpointing a more profound issue that many in the industry may recognize yet seldom discuss. “I think we downplay the creative industry, and that’s one thing I want to see being contributed to, let’s educate the youths for real.”
Badoo’s remarks come at an opportune moment. With Sliqe and Roiii now occupying evening time slots on YFM, the station has two influential figures who understand production and have an authentic passion for hip hop. Their willingness to engage in discussions about giving back indicates a transition from merely playing music to actively influencing the future of the genre.
The South African music scene has always flourished with talent emerging from neighborhoods and informal settings; however, the journey often entails costly lessons related to contracts, mental well-being, fundamental business knowledge, and technical skills. Badoo’s proposition encourages a reconsideration: what if the upcoming generation could start with essential tools and insights rather than learning through hard experiences?
The narrative of Young Durag exemplifies this potential. A self-driven 17-year-old who has visited Los Angeles studios and hosted lavish parties showcases how quickly opportunities arise when talent aligns with preparation. This reality underscores the numbers of young individuals nationwide who may not receive adequate guidance, highlighting the situation’s urgency.
With Sliqe’s extensive experience in fostering collaborations and talent spotting, combined with Roiii’s innovative thinking and media skills, they are ideally positioned on YFM to champion initiatives like those Badoo envisions, whether through workshops, mentorship opportunities, or partnerships that bring established producers and engineers into educational settings.
The creative industry requires more than discussions about unity. It mandates actionable steps that recognize music as a craft deserving of early investment, similar to the realms of sports and academics. Money Badoo made her point clear: it’s time to elevate the creative industry and focus on truly educating the youth.
As this new chapter for YFM unfolds, the question Roiii posed resonates with significance. How can we give back? According to one of the sharpest minds in the industry, the response starts with equipping the next generation with the knowledge they need before learning through costly missteps.
