Homeland Brass Band, a grassroots music school that has become a symbol of hope for underprivileged youth, is embarking on a robust fundraising initiative to establish a lasting home for the project. Conceived by the talented musician Florence Nandawula, known as FloMoon, in 2015, the school commenced its journey with a modest four students in the slums of Katogo, Ggaba in Uganda.
FloMoon’s extraordinary path as an artist has garnered international recognition, both as a founding member of HHY & The Kampala Unit and as a DJ under the moniker DJ Flo. Leveraging her success, she has sustained the school’s operations and broadened its impact to encompass over 25 children. In her non-touring weeks, Florence imparts her musical expertise to the aspiring students.
Through generous donations and acquisitions, the school now boasts ownership of over 20 instruments, including marching drums and brass instruments. The students have advanced to the point where they are sought after for weddings, music festivals, and events, not only providing an additional income stream but also instilling immense pride in their abilities. Some even harbour aspirations of pursuing music careers.
Beyond music classes, Homeland Brass Band serves as a secure haven for children, enabling working parents—often single mothers—to provide for their families while their kids engage in musical learning. Florence goes the extra mile, covering school expenses, supplying materials, clothes, offering advice, and providing care. To many students, she assumes the role of a parental figure. However, Florence recognises she cannot address all the needs alone. Hence, she is launching a fundraising campaign to construct a permanent home for the Homeland Brass Band project.
“With this GoFundMe, we want to be able to pay the school fees of our kids for 2023 and also get a house where we can work and provide shelter to the kids that don’t have anywhere to sleep. Step by step, we want to create a space with opportunities for them to grow, learn, and smile”, Florence writes on GoFundMe.
Support the cause here.
Follow @homeland_brass_band on Instagram and @hhy_and_tku on Instagram. Donate here.
Short film directed by @mayadmt.
