Ugandan choristers coming to Kerikeri
A Ugandan children’s choir that has enraptured audiences around the world will perform one free concert in Kerikeri next month.
The Mwangaza Children’s Choir, in New Zealand for the first time to present a taste of African culture on behalf of Tearfund, promises to light up the stage with vibrant costumes, joyful music, energetic dancing, infectious smiles and inspirational stories.
The 18 children, aged from eight to 12, will stage their 2018 Light Up Tour at the Turner Centre on Wednesday May 2, starting at 7pm.
Mwangaza (pronounced m-wahn-GAH-zah) meant Shining Light in Swahili, and that was exactly what the audience would see in the faces of the children as they performed, according to Tearfund marketing manager Brenda Won.
“The children of Uganda have been greatly challenged by poverty, HIV/Aids, and many have been taken by the Lord’s Resistance Army and forced to become child soldiers,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
The internationally acclaimed choir had travelled and performed across the US, Holland, the UK, Germany, Singapore and Australia, and had also released six albums.