The much loved Ndlovu Youth Choir has announced a new South African tour after months touring the world.
The choir, which gained popularity following their awe-inspiring run at the ‘America’s Got Talent’ a few years ago, will kick off their SA tour with a date at Montecasino’s Teatro on Thursday, September 5 at 8pm followed by another 8pm slot on Friday, September 6.
Two more performances at the venue will continue their run on Saturday, September 7 at 3pm and 8pm closing with two shows on Sunday, September 8 at 2pm and 6pm.
Their sell out performances in 2021, followed by sold out SA tours in 2022 and 2023, are testament to the love, support and admiration by local fans.
The Joburg run is followed shortly by a Cape Town tour which sees the youth ensemble take on Artscape at the beginning of 2025.
Their first Cape Town show takes off on Thursday, January 30 at 7.30pm with one show on Friday, January 31 at 7.30pm and two shows each on Saturday, February 1 at 3pm and 7.30pm and Sunday, February 2 at 2pm and 6pm.
Choir master, conductor, composer and producer, Ralf Schmitt, has promised local fans a repertoire that includes many brand-new numbers such as one of the world’s most recognised songs, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as well as iconic local ditties from some of the country’s greats, including Johnny Clegg, Sipho Hotstix, Mango Groove, Mandoza and Kurt Darren.
“The choir will make history when they perform ‘What a Wonderful World’, originally made famous by Jazz legend, Louis Armstrong. Using sign language and low-frequency bass sounds, this much-loved song is especially for members of the deaf community,“ said Schmitt.
Tony Feldman of Showtime Management said over the years, the youthful ensemble has served as an inspiration to South Africans and international fans across the globe.
“The Ndlovu Youth Choir is a beacon of hope to every South African. Not only do they unite people through song but they are now also performing for people who have a hearing impairment. This is ground-breaking in the most wonderful way,” said Feldman.
Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of South Africa’s most treasured choral groups and recognised globally for their unique music, with tours across the US and Europe.
Schmitt added that the 15-strong youthful ensemble was ready to treat their local fans to a litany of new songs, in the company of a live three-piece band while still featuring several of the choir’s famous hits such as ‘Africa’, ‘Higher Love’ and ‘We Will Rise’.
The SA tour comes hot on the heels of a headline performance at the Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany, known as Europe’s biggest festival of African Music.
Aside from performing at Montecasino’s Teatro in September, the choir will enjoy a theatre residency at the prestigious AFAS Theatre in the Netherlands. They will then travel to New York to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
The Star