Gq goes to Berklee College of Music (Boston)

It truly takes a village to raise a child.

This age-old Igbo proverb has never been more relevant for our family than it is now. We’re reaching out to you, our community, to help us send Gqamile (GQ) to the music college of his dreams, Berklee College of Music, Boston.

GQ unknowingly started his musical journey at age 3 with weekly 10-minute violin lessons. Though it was not his favourite instrument, he trudged through it for many years at the insistence of the adults in his life until the Trinity Grade 8 exams were passed with distinction, 14 years later. Much bribery and corruption ensued over the years for practice times, but never for performances. GQ has always loved to perform on all his instruments. 

Picking up the piano at age 5 with his first teacher Connell Cruise paved the way for this to become his instrument of choice. His talent flourished under the guidance of exceptional teachers like Diane Coutts, Surien Ras, Marileen Botha, Carika De Swart and Owen Chimuka. The Grade 8 Jazz Piano distinction was gained in just 4 short years.&nbs...