Creating Community Through Sound: "Substantial" at HaiBaYo Cares

Kicked Off

On June 3rd, the walls of HaiBaYo Cares pulsed with live music, creativity, and collaboration as young artists came together for a one-of-a-kind workshop led by hip-hop artist, educator, and producer Substantial & The Sun’s Hues. Hosted in partnership with Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative, this immersive event blended live performance, music production, and mentorship—all in one unforgettable afternoon.

The event kicked off with a dynamic performance by Substantial, backed by a full live band called The Sun’s Hues. Youth from our programs gathered for a front-row experience of what it means to bring music to life in real time. The energy in the room was electric as Substantial performed Save The Day…featuring a call and response “Bounce, Slide, Rollerskate” and for many of the participants, this was their first time witnessing a professional artist perform in such an intimate and interactive setting.

Wurk-shop  

Following the performance, Substantial shifted gears and invited the youth into the creative process. In a hands-on music production workshop, participants were given the chance to shape the direction of original tracks in real time—experimenting with beats, melodies, lyrics, and instrumentation alongside seasoned musicians.

“Working with the youth in the Haibayo Cares program was just as meaningful, but in a different way. These young people brought so much curiosity, energy, and openness. They weren’t just participants—they were collaborators. There was a strong sense of belonging and passion in the room. We laughed, we reflected, and we created together.

What made this experience especially rich was the presence of real community. There’s something deeply powerful about learning together in real time—sharing space, making eye contact, and building trust moment by moment.”

Lizze Blue - member of The Sun’s Hues

Live Tracks, Real Voices 

By the end of the day, the room had transformed into a temporary recording studio. Three original tracks were born from this experience, all produced collaboratively with the youth. These pieces reflect the energy, curiosity, and raw talent that filled the space on June 3rd.

Track 1:

Track 2 :

Track 3:

A Look Behind the Scenes

We captured photos throughout the day that show the joy, focus, and connection this workshop fostered. From the look of concentration during a beat drop to the laughter shared between takes, these moments tell a story of what’s possible when youth are given the tools—and the trust—to create.

Workshops like this aren’t just about music. They’re about building confidence, cultivating community, and offering a platform for expression. We’re grateful to Substantial, our band, and the youth who showed up with open minds and bold voices. This is just the beginning.

Photo credit: Jefferson Mok (https://www.jeffersonmok.com/)