An interview with World Explorer Fund grantee Blackish Muzic
One of our partners in South Africa is Bridges for Music. They're a nonprofit music academy based in the Langa township in Cape Town, right at the foot of Table Mountain. Since 2013 they've been running a world-class facility with recording studios, DJ rooms, and a programme that combines music production, entrepreneurship, and mindfulness. They take in over 250 students a year and run an Industry Access employment programme that creates around 250 placements. They're registered as a charity in the UK, a 501(c)(3) in the US, and an NPC in South Africa.
They sent us a candidate who applied last spring. His first name is Azile, but he goes by Blackish Muzic. Azile charmed our selection committee and then went on the tour of a lifetime — including getting a visa to leave South Africa for the first time and flying on a plane for the first time. It was great fun watching his Instagram and seeing him rock out all of his new European fans. He met and made many friends along the way, and we are thrilled to hear such positive feedback on his experience. This partnership worked so well with Bridges for Music that we plan on accepting and fielding other candidates they send us.
We asked Azile to tell us about the trip in his own words.
Where did this all start for you?
"I've always been driven by a dream to travel the world, share my music with diverse audiences, and experience different cultures. However, my family's financial struggles, with both parents facing unemployment, made it tough to make ends meet, let alone fund my aspirations. Despite these challenges, my passion for music and exploration has only grown stronger, and I'm determined to find ways to make my dreams a reality."
What was standing in your way?
"Due to financial constraints, I have not had the opportunity to travel extensively. The costs associated with flights, accommodation, and ground support have been prohibitive, making it challenging for me to pursue my travel aspirations."
How did the reality compare to what you expected?
"I had so much expectation like exploring many European iconic cities, trying all the foods, and be well rested, energetic and inspired by the new experiences. The reality was: sleep-deprived, jet-lagged, surviving on caffeine and snacks, and occasionally questioning all your life choices. Chasing down late payments, promoters 'forgetting' to cover travel costs, and realizing your earnings barely cover the tour expenses."
What was the highlight?
"The most highlight of the trip was getting a booking at the Garbicz Festival, one of Poland's largest and most prestigious music events. Performing in front of a diverse and enthusiastic audience has been an incredible experience, allowing me to expand my reach and forge valuable connections within the industry. This opportunity has significantly contributed to my career growth, and the chance to showcase my craft on such a prominent platform."
What came out of those connections?
"One of the most significant outcomes of this trip was the opportunity to connect with a prominent European promoter, resulting in confirmed bookings in Canada and the Netherlands. This new partnership has not only expanded my international reach but also opened doors to new opportunities, allowing me to share my music with a broader audience."
What was the hardest part?
"I was really suffering from mental health and loneliness. When you're surrounded by people but often disconnected from meaningful conversations or support system. Constant travel can get isolating, especially solo touring. What really helped me was doing meditation and yoga to keep my body and mind healthy."
What surprised you most?
"When I first began traveling through Europe, I expected to collect photographs, postcards, and memories of famous landmarks. What I didn't expect was how much the people and their ways of life would change me. The most important lesson I've learned is that our lives are richer when we stop measuring them against what we're used to. We grow when we step outside of what we think is 'normal' and learn to see the world through someone else's eyes."
What did the support from the Finn Wardman Fund mean to you?
"By covering my flights, accommodation, and ground support, the scholarship didn't just open a door — it removed the wall entirely. It allowed me to step into a new culture, learn from real-world experiences, and push myself in ways I never imagined.
This wasn't just a financial boost — it was someone saying, 'We believe in you.' That kind of support is powerful. It gave me the confidence to take risks, ask questions, and explore with an open mind and heart.
For someone like me, this grant wasn't about luxury — it was about access. Access to opportunity, to growth, and to a world that was waiting for me, if only I could get there."
What have you been doing since you got back?
Since returning, Azile has started DJ lessons for anyone who wants to learn. He's teaching women how to produce, mix, and master their own music from scratch. He and some friends started a small record label to help upcoming artists who don't know the direction yet — from music business to signing contracts. And he launched a free community event called Buntu, where artists gather to share ideas and knowledge about their work.
Any advice for the next person?
"Don't worry about having all the answers. You're not supposed to. This journey is about learning through experience, not perfection. Ask questions. Make mistakes. That's how you grow."
Last word?
"This experience has changed the way I see the world and myself. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, introduced me to new perspectives, and showed me what's possible when someone believes in you. Thanks to the Finn Wardman Scholarship, a dream that once felt distant became my reality. You didn't just support a trip — you opened a path to growth, confidence, and purpose.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in young people like me. Your support didn't just help me explore the world — it helped me find my place in it."