Otara musical showcase 'more than just an event'

Youth, community workers and buskers are all finding a voice at an increasingly popular South Auckland music event.

Otara’s Jam Night event has been created as an outlet for musical expression, potential industry networks and the exposure needed to give musical careers a kick-start.

The event, which is held twice a month at the Otara Music Arts Centre (OMAC), is the first of its kind in the suburb.

According to Auckland Council’s arts and culture facilities manager, Bobby Kennedy, OMAC undertook a strategic review of its business plan in 2014 and invited the community to give feedback on what services they wanted the facility to provide.

The Otara community said they wanted a safe place to play music with professional equipment.

In response, Mr Kennedy teamed up with Shardae Khusal, the director of Otara Unlimited, a community organisation that works with local youth, to initiate the community Jam Night.

The number of attendees has grown exponentially since its slow start last year, and each event now gives up to 12 people on average a chance on stage.

“It’s more than an event to us, it’s a point of gathering for us. It’s built friendships and helps to develop our young people in many ways,” said Ms Khusal.

She said Otara did not have a platform that allowed locals to showcase their talent, so Otara Unlimited, in association with OMAC, made it their mission to change that.

“You find all sorts at Jam Night, students, local youths, community workers and buskers,” she said.

Ms Khusal said when she sees attendees participating she feels “inspired to start new projects and forums that will add value to Jam Night”.

“New Zealand music is my passion but South Auckland talent is my drive.”

Mr Kennedy said the event gives South Auckland talent a place to hone their craft, and gives them a starting point in terms of exposure.

He added that Jam Night is a place where “industry and community come together”, and expected more people would come along and showcase their art.

Fredrick Reynold, an aspiring hip-hop artist and Otara local, said the event is something he would be interested in performing at.

“It’s so important and beneficial for local artists to attend events like this, you never know who’s watching,” said Mr Reynold.

“We need to support our local talent, this is giving us what we need.”

Jam Night’s first ever attendee, and one half of popular Otara hip-hop group Tha Church Boiiz, Karl Tusini-Rex, said the event is a “safe vessel” where the community can come to develop and embrace a passion for performance and music.

“My first Jam Night was awesome, I love supporting local projects.

“There are so many hidden gems in South Auckland and some just need the opportunity to broaden their audience beyond their mirrors.”