The Blastbeat concept originated in Ireland in May 2003 and has now expanded into the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Central and Northern Europe.
Blastbeat intends to double the number of schools it works with across the globe this school year. This will be made possible with the inspired and generous grants from well-known foundations. Blastbeat has already attracted grants from such inspiring organisations like A Glimmer of Hope (Texas) and the great support and investment from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Irelandia and Enterprise Ireland as well as the sponsorship of such companies such as Coca Cola (Irl) & Waltons (Irl) and Mr Price (SA).In addition, Blastbeat Ltd just secured the worldwide representation of the biggest and best entertainments agency in the world the William Morris Agency.
Recently writing about Blastbeat's inventive family of enterprises and initiative, Bill Drayton, Founder of Ashoka, a global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs said "It was instantly obvious how Blastbeat could make the real difference in our effort to help young people develop the experience of being change makers as young people so they can be change makers as adults."
According to the founder - Robert Stephenson - "The Blastbeat programme is a tried and tested means of nurturing multimedia, musical and entrepreneurial skills among teenagers whilst encouraging them to work as part of a team investing in their local community, becoming social entrepreneurs in the process. We have seen great success around the world where more than 850 alcohol and drug free concerts have been staged so far, with over 3,000 young bands performing to audiences of more than 250,000 young people.
With the development of the Blastbeat TV series in participating countries including South Africa and the possibly the USA this coming year, the learning, fun experience and music from the bands / acts will be shared with tens of millions of young people, this makes for a very exciting global business with huge potential.
Blastbeat is able to transcend all barriers of race colour creed and economic background and has managed to raise awareness and help bring about change for the better in the lives of young people who have participated in the programme.
