Singer Jimmy Nevis launches foundation to empower schoolkids

The foundation is a philanthropic initiative that hopes to inspire and create change among the youth of Cape Town. It aims to provide kids with opportunities that are typically beyond the means of their socio-economic backgrounds. ‘Blue Collar’ is also the name of a song Nevis released in 2014 from his critically acclaimed second album, The Masses.

The announcement came in June, celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa. Nevis’ initiative shows that despite this month coming to an end, influential young South Africans are continuing to make a difference in the lives of those less privileged than them.

Nevis recently announced on his Facebook page: “My team and I have been working hard to make this initiative come to life. The foundation is aimed at supporting and creating opportunities that encourage our youth to dream beyond the means of their social-economic backgrounds… I pray that God may allow this Foundation to grow, enrich and inspire change within the youth of our nation! May we work together to shape and grow the leaders of tomorrow.”

Nevis is a 22-years-old pop singer and producer who has been nominated for several awards, including Record of the Year at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) and Channel O's Africa Music Video Award, both in 2014. Nevis is also up for a MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA) in the category Best Pop & Alternative at the upcoming ceremony in Durban on 18 July.

The Blue Collar Foundation was officially launched on 1 July, with online applications for the J. Nevis Bursary set to open on 11 July, the singer’s birthday. Last week Jimmy and his colleagues handed over R40 000 (over US$3200) worth of blankets and other winter goods to schoolkids in the impoverished area of Heideveld in Cape Town. Other activities on the cards include career guidance for high school students.

For more details visit the Blue Collar Foundation facebook page. Check out Jimmy’s latest video for the single ‘7764’ (shot on the Cape Flats that his new foundation aims to uplift) below: