COMPOSING A Better Future

Michael: Initiator

If the proverb „stick out like a sore thumb“ didn’t already exist, it would have to be invented for me. I’ve been a musician in jazz, blues, and rock since 1980 and have played numerous gigs in Germany and abroad. I was the leader of the rock music section in the county of Gera, leader of the cabinet for culture in Zeulenroda, and started working as a cameraman in 1984 while still playing music. Since 1990, I have produced more than 600 films on agriculture, culture, history, and economy, mostly for major German TV channels, with some even winning awards.

„Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.“

– Nelson Mandela

https://mr-filmproduktion.de/

Together with my wife Annett, I give around 50 lectures a year about our journeys and social experiences. Since 1995, our film projects have taken us to other countries. In 2012, we made a film about child soldiers in Uganda. Since then, we have collected donations for Uganda, established a pharmacy for a village, supported the youth boxing club „Fighters For Peace“ in Gulu, distributed Afripads and school supplies to several schools, helped our partner Malik set up a music studio, produced and sold music CDs to build school desks, installed water tanks for villages and schools, and organized social trips for students from Germany.

Growing up as an orphan is a painful experience. For a long time, music was my only way to escape a life full of bitter experiences and violence. I was born in Soroti, Uganda. After I had to leave my grandmother’s house, I ended up in the slums of Kampala as a child.

„Knowledge is only power when it is applied.“

– Dale Carnegie

I came to music at a young age, first as a singer. Later, I joined music production and beatmaking. I have been doing this for the past 8 to 9 years as a music producer. I use my skills and my recording studio not only for professionals but also to make the musical dreams of children and young people from the ghetto come true. Everyone listens to life differently. To some, life is a sweet sound. To others, life is rather a sour, bitter sound. I know what it means to live here, and I know the people in the ghetto and their needs and dreams very well. Since I got together with some friends from Germany, we have implemented many projects for the people in Uganda and at the same time made social educational trips and new perspectives possible for pupils from Germany.

Patrick Emaju, commonly known as Malik Make Project Manager Uganda

Annett: Organizer

There can’t be just stars on stage – somebody has to switch on the lights and sound. Since 2007, I have worked as a cutter, photographer, pilot for camera drones, and lighting & sound engineer. I’m the good soul in organization, without whom none of our projects or journeys would work.

„I think men rule the world. And that’s why it’s such a fxxxing mess.“

– Sting

https://mr-filmproduktion.de/

I’m a member of several foundations and social associations. I’m a mother, grandmother, and sometimes on our trips with students, I’m also a substitute mom. I love music, but unlike my husband, I also dance.

If someone would ask me to describe myself in three words, I would probably answer with the words adventurous, creative and adaptable.

Luckily, I can confirm that I grew up in a liberal household, that always had an open minded view on the world and in which I had the chance to explore my passion for art (especially music) and travelling the world, early. My family always enjoyed travelling and since I can think of, I always had the urge to visit other countries and explore other cultures. It´s the same with music. For me, music is like the air that I need to breathe. I basically inhale it.

„Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.“

– David Bowie

The first time that I heard of Michaels work was in 2021. I was amazed by the thought of supporting schools in Uganda due to self-made music from the Ghetto, immediately. The moment the invitation to join one of the social-work trips to Uganda under Michaels organisation reached me in spring 2023, I got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take part in this great project. So I signed in. The trip lead to a personal passion for the project and I started joining the team seriously. Nowadays, I can luckily say that I´m a full member. Many goals have already been reached and the project developed great over the last few years but there´s a lot to accomplish still and the road carry´s on. With our social work, I´m positive that we´re contributing our little part to make this world a better place. Which she is, originally.

Jil
ambassadress of the project

Frank: Supporter

I dreamed about becoming a rockstar. However, due to practicing too little and the fall of the wall in ’89, I had to realize that I wouldn’t become the next Bruce Springsteen. My wish to become a professional musician vanished, but my love for music remained.

„You can blow out a candle, but you can’t blow out a fire.“

– Peter Gabriel, „Biko“

That fact, along with my work as a company owner and member of several organizations, once led me to attend a lecture by Michael. Due to our mutual interest in music, we formed a close relationship from the first moment. I liked the idea of creating and supporting social projects across different cultures and countries. I grew up in several cities in the former GDR, and thanks to my mother’s work, I was lucky enough to meet people from Africa. Through them, I learned that we have much more in common than differences.

Get a team member

If you want to get a team member of Sound4Life Africa you are welcome.
Please write an email to sound4lifeafricafoundation@gmail.com so we can contact you.