Music Basti was set up in 2008, to connect at-risk (formerly ‘street children’) children with enjoyable learning and exchange experiences through music. The environment inhabited by at-risk children and youth profoundly lacks positive and empowering relationships with the community, as well as positive role models. It does not foster the development of critical life-skills such self-confidence, communication and cooperation, and as a result, does not promote self-worth or identity, integral to a healthy life. The education being accessed by these children and youth is also extremely limited in content, quality and delivery. In the absence of a reliable support network, community engagements established through culture can play a powerful role. Music Basti is a project that seeks to network the music industry with at-risk youth and children through life-skills building projects. These are aimed at enhancing self-esteem, communication and confidence for at-risk youth and children, but equally to enhance the first-hand contributions of musicians and other artists in building a shared community.