Khayelitsha choir helps keep youngsters on track
KHAYELITSHA is a notorious hot spot for crime and gangsterism, but its talent is persevering as the Khayelitsha Youth Choir celebrates its four-year milestone.
Choir founder and leader Mihle Mtitshana said he started the group in 2017 after identifying it as a way to keep young people off the streets.
“In 2017 I was singing in the male voice choir called Khayelitsha Youth Contribution (KTC). I left that choir and decided to start the Khayelitsha Youth Choir.
“Khayelitsha is a hot spot for crime, gangsterism and drugs. I used to see youngsters sitting on street corners and being with the wrong crowd and doing drugs. I didn’t like seeing them throw their future away.
“There is lots of talent here in Khayelitsha, that’s the main reason why I started the choir. I wanted young people to showcase their talent and know that they have a bright future ahead of them,” said Mtitshana.
Naba Xoko, 17, said since he joined the choir in 2019 he has realised his passion for music.
“When I joined the choir I knew nothing about music. My life has changed in a positive way. Most teenagers are into peer pressure and doing wrong things. When we’re in choir practice, we know we are in a safe place, that will one day make our dreams come true,” he said.
Phumza Sangotsha, 16, said: “Teenagers must know what they want in life and always strive to do better. Being part of the choir has helped me and boosted my self-confidence. If I’m not busy with my school work I come to choir practice.”
Mtitshana added that young people must be the ones that bring about change in their communities.
“It pleases me to see the youth coming to the choir. I want them to be doing something positive in their communities, and we are happy that we are making a difference in the community and in their lives.
“As a choir, we are facing a challenge where people don’t take what we do seriously and say we will never get anywhere. We want the choir to be recognised, as the children have so much talent and must be known by many people. On July 27, we’ll be having a music concert … it will be in Khayelitsha Harare,” he said.
Anyone wishing to attend the concert can call Mtitshana on 061 707 3530.