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​A Johannesburg-based choir group recently won big on an international stage. In early October, the Quava Vocal Group arrived full of zeal in Europe to compete in the inaugural 2022 World Choral Cup, which took place in Barcelona and Calella in Spain. On Sunday, 16 October, the choir won the jazz and adult choir categories.





​​Quava Vocal Group has cemented its position among the most prestigious choirs in the world after its victory. Thirty-one choirs from 24 countries competed in seven categories for the coveted trophy, and Quava Vocal Group took first prize in both of their categories, which saw them progress to the second round of eight choirs and then, subsequently, to the top three choirs of the tournament, alongside two choirs from Denmark.


Quava’s music director, Sabelo Mthembu, was also awarded the Conductor of the Tournament award, an achievement he is proud of. “I am extremely humbled by the accolades the choir and I have been blessed with. For me, they symbolise years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance by each member of this choir. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them,” says Mthembu.


Khabo Dhlamini, a Customer Relations Agent for the City of Johannesburg in Region C and one of the co-founders of the choir group, says Spain is beautiful and they received a warm welcome. 


“The weather was warm and sunny, and the people were exceptionally friendly and warm. They loved us when we performed, and we got standing ovations everywhere we sang.”


She expressed her gratitude for the support they have received. “We want to thank all our family and friends for their prayers and support. Thank you to the fans who prayed, donated, and came to our shows. This trip happened because of them. We thank God and them.”


The Quava Vocal Group was founded in 2008. Among their other accomplishments, it won gold medals in the contemporary jazz and adult contemporary categories at the World Choir Games in Pretoria in 2018. This paved the way for their performance in Spain. 


Other musical highlights include its collaboration with Durban-based musician, Majozi, during the live rounds of the Voice South Africa in 2019.


Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
19/10/2022