African choir to light up the stage
Nelsonians will get a taste of African culture during the first ever tour of the Mwangaza Children’s Choir.
The choir from Uganda is visiting New Zealand with their Light Up Tour on behalf of Kiwi faith-based aid and development organisation Tearfund.
The 18 children aged between nine and 14 will be performing free concerts in Blenheim, Nelson and Motueka.
Tearfund marketing manager Brenda Won said Mwangaza meant ‘‘shining light’’ in Swahili.
‘‘These talented youngsters are sure to light up the stage and your heart, sharing hope for the children of their country through song, dance and inspiring stories about how their lives are being changed.’’
Won said children in Uganda suffered poverty, HIV/AIDS and many had been taken by the Lord’s Resistance Army and forced to become child soldiers.
‘‘These kids are representing all the children of Uganda, and showing that, with the help of child sponsorship, Uganda’s children can rise above these things and make the country a different place.
The internationally acclaimed choir has travelled and performed across the US, The Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Singapore and Australia and has released six albums.
Mwangaza is performing in Nelson at Nayland College on May 23 at 7pm and in Motueka at Alive Church of Christ on May 24 at 7pm.