I attended Martins art empowerment workshops several years ago. I remember that he taught us how to use different techniques with different art materials. Aside from that, he taught us that art can be used not only as a tool for expressing individual thoughts or emotions, most importantly, it can be a tool for building a stronger community, empowering people and dealing with problems in the society and beyond. It really inspired me especially when he showed us documentaries and movies about the role of art in progressive movements followed by discussions. As young refugees from the Philippines, he helped us in expressing the issues that we were going through, with painting. He also introduced us to hiphop and where it came from. That really took my attention and 8 years later, you can find me rapping on stage about things we discussed with Martin way back. He played a big part in my own development for real. Acutally, he still does. I seldom see him but when I do, I still learn new things.

It’s been ages man! How you holding up anyway? Hope things are fine with you... This was just to thank you for being a tremendous inspiration and a motivator in my life. I am doing so well in Dublin, my poetry talent has enhanced big time. I now have a drama dance group which I started on my own. The group is called the children of Soweto. we sing south African traditional pulsating songs, recite poetry and dance. Irish people love us so much because we are different and entertaining them with the unusual entertainment that’s totally absent in their society and also we are getting so many gigs. we have performed for the Irish president several times now, on big events and occasions. This is a gratification to you man because your the trigger for the purpose of The children of Soweto dance drama group.. Thanks Blackstar