Angolan rapper Prodígio creates center to support young talents

The space Prodigia-te, in the Prenda neighborhood, one of the most traditional of Luanda, where Osvaldo Moniz, better known as “Prodígio”, grew up, is a social project that will open doors to young teenagers who excel in various areas, from chess to music, identifying talents in the communities and helping to develop their skills.

“The goal is not to be the only one, not to be alone inside the room, to share, to bring hope to these kids who are where I started,” the musician told Lusa, explaining that the center will be geared “towards those who do well.”

“This is to empower those who already have potential, those who are good at music and do well at school. It’s not about drawing a line between those who walk the wrong way,” he added, hoping that the center will be “a vehicle for them to get where they want to go”.

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 are the preferential targets of the project, and they will have to be “very good” at computers, music, or chess.

Prodígio has already started a selection process to evaluate the talent of some young people who will also be accompanied by a specialized team “to understand how they are at home.”

“You can be the best musician in the world, but if you are a rebel at home, this is not the place,” stressed the artist.

At the center, they will be accompanied by instructors and can access courses in Information Technology and a fully equipped studio.

“The goal is to make an album yearly without depending on the majors. My path was very difficult; I wish I had guidance at that time,” said the rapper and former Força Suprema band member, stressing that this will be “a tool” for them to create and release music without intermediaries.

The center, installed in an old building of Prenda, opened today in Luanda, but the idea is to replicate it in the provinces, he added.

With information from Lusa

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