In 2005, South African singer Nianell had every reason to attend the glamorous South African Music Awards ceremony at Sun City. She was about to become the proud recipient of two prestigious awards.
But she had another engagement. One that mattered even more to her.
A free concert for hundreds of children in Khayelitsha.
An honorary member of Proud Partners from its earliest days, Nianell had been performing to raise funds for the organisation's music initiatives. Her generosity helped Proud Partners purchase a keyboard for Soyisile Primary School, whose award-winning choir had previously been accompanied by a music teacher armed with little more than a recorder.
When it emerged that the teacher couldn't read music, arrangements were made for weekly lessons at the Welgemoed School of Arts. Before long, he could accompany the choir with chords on the keyboard, while some of the school's most talented pupils also began receiving private music tuition.
Nianell personally presented the keyboard, entertaining the children with songs, demonstrations and a few musical tricks of the trade.
So inspired was she by the experience that she offered to perform for the wider community at Khayelitsha's new community centre in April 2005.
And when the concert schedule clashed with preparations for the SAMA ceremony, she chose to miss the awards rather than compromise the quality of the following morning's performance.
Two national music awards. A new keyboard. A delighted school choir. And hundreds of children enjoying a free concert.
Now that's what we call making beautiful music together.