The City of Johannesburg commemorated Africa Day through song and dance at the second annual Choral Music Festival at the Orlando Communal Hall in Soweto.
On arrival in Orlando East, opera and choral aficionados appeared excited to listen to and watch scores of choirs from across Johannesburg perform various renditions of well-known African songs.
Participants looked ravishing in amazing colourful African prints, sporting attires of different continental traditions, each in a joyous mood, waiting patiently for their opportunity to perform whilst rehearsing their respective songs.
Sizwe Nkwanya, a real master of choral music and the day’s Master of Ceremony, managed without fail to direct choirs and audiences to the tune of the music, belting out from enthusiastic performers. His palpable energy was contagious.
Mokomane Mekgoe, the Acting Executive Director for Community Development Department ushered MMC Nonny Sifumba to the podium with song and dance. Sifumba responded enthusiastically, leading the audience and choirs in joyful song.
In her keynote address, the MMC told the audience that music was part of social cohesion. “Music contributes to unity and togetherness. It heals, restores and comforts hearts’, the country and the continent.”
With the annual Choral Music festival, the City aims to re-kindle choral music development in previously marginalised areas, as part of its broader strategy to promote the creative industry.
About ten choirs participated in this year’s festival and were chosen amongst a sea of applications. “My appreciation goes to the choirs that went through many hours of preparation and qualified to stand before us today to bless us with beautiful music,” Sifumba added.
Some of the songs sung on the day were popular African tunes like ‘Bayethe Ma-Africa’ and ‘Amabutho’. The Festival ended on a high note with a mass choir performing a rendition of ‘A Plea from Africa’ written by John Knox Bokwe.
Choral music is known globally to produce group cooperation where each person’s contribution matters. It promotes a sense of belonging. Other than arrangements on stage, choral music requires less equipment except the stage, lights and sound to enhance the venue and performance.
“Today we celebrate the second annual Choral Music Festival on Africa Day. May this day remind us that we are indeed one; a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand,” MMC Sifumba said.
