Ndlovu Youth Choir Announces Johannesburg Performances and Edinburgh Debut
The Ndlovu Youth Choir is scheduled to perform a series of concerts at Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg during July, prior to its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland later this year.
The choir began a South African tour with sold-out performances in Cape Town in February. Six shows are planned in Johannesburg between July 30 and August 2.
Performances will take place on July 30 and 31, with two shows scheduled for each of August 1 and 2.
Organisers state the repertoire will include a variety of South African musical traditions and international influences. The programme features songs like Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Homeless, as well as South African genres including Ghoema music, gospel and amapiano. Music associated with artists such as Miriam Makeba, Johnny Clegg and Mango Groove will also be included.
The choir’s performance of Bohemian Rhapsody previously received positive feedback from Roger Taylor of the band Queen.
Following the Johannesburg shows, the choir will appear at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from August 6 to 30, presenting a one-hour production titled A Celebration of Africa at Assembly Hall.
Ndlovu Youth Choir founder and conductor Ralf Schmitt stated the group anticipates performing for audiences in Johannesburg before travelling to Edinburgh. Schmitt said, “We’re so looking forward to bringing our shows first to Johannesburg and our fantastic audience there who have also supported us so generously, and then to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, mixing it up with thousands of other artists and becoming part of such a rich tradition there.”
The choir first gained international recognition in 2019 as finalists on a television talent competition. During the competition, one judge praised the group’s energy, stating, “If I could bottle your energy, I’d drink it every day.”
Tony Feldman of Showtime Management said the Johannesburg performances will allow local audiences another opportunity to see the choir before its appearance in Scotland. Feldman said, “The Ndlovu Youth Choir continues to be such a phenomenal ambassador for South African music, arts and professionalism. We’re so glad to bring them back to Johannesburg and crowds who love them so much before they head to Scotland.”
The performances are expected to combine vocals, choreography and a live band, and are described as celebrations of African music and culture.
