Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Though the group did not perform, their appearance wowed pupils of Sapebuso Primary School in Orlando West, Soweto, on Friday.

The famous American hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas popped in at the school before their one night-only performance at the Nasrec Expo Centre later.

Principal Paula Tabane showed the group some of the art work of her pupils.

Sapebuso has an art project called Room 13. Pupils have their own gallery and have even sold some of their work.

The art project is sponsored by international companies, TBWA and Magna Carta.

Award-winning Black Eyed Peas were very impressed by the art of the pupils.

"This is beautiful. I am impressed with the skills of these kids," said Fergie.

And apl.de.ap. said: "As a person of colour, I believe I can inspire these kids to achieve more."

He said with the proper education, young people can be anything they want to be.

"I also come from a poor background, but here I am with the Black Eyed Peas," apl.de.ap. said.

Sapebuso is the only school in Soweto with a Room 13 project.

There is one other one in Bloemfontein in Free State.

"Room 13 is the space where children can express themselves artistically," said TBWA official Marie Jamieson.