When two young Masiphumelele residents decided to start a small group to keep youngsters off the street, they could never have imagined it would grow into something that would inspire the community.
Odumo Cetwayo and Olwethu Polo’s plans to entertain youngsters with song and music laid the foundations for the Afrika Abonwabisi gospel choir.
Since its humble beginnings in the local church hall in 2015, the choir has grown from strength to strength and has since released two CDs and a DVD.
Choir secretary Simamkele Ngcama said Mr Polo grew up singing and it was natural for him to share his talent with others. Soon the group grew from 17 to 30 members.
They now rehearse every week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
They sing mostly gospel songs but also do covers of popular music.
The choir’s first performance away from home was in 2015 in Stellenbosch. And, according to Mr Ngcama, the success of that tour helped pay for the choir’s first uniforms.
“Our first uniform was navy and blue and were were extremely proud of it,” he said.
They have since had another uniform made. It’s light blue and white.
The choir has performed in Masiphumelele, Paarl and Hermanus and is planning a tour to Klerksdorp in the North West next year to raise funds for the launch of its second DVD, Baba Yibana.
Mr Ngcama said fund-raising had been difficult as the choir did not get any funding and its performances were its sole source of income.
The choir is planning its next performance for February next year. For more information about the choir or if you
would like to assist with networking opportunities or a donation, or to buy a CD or DVD,
visit its Facebook page at Facebook.com/AfrikaAbonwabisi or call Mr Ngcama at 078 246
3303.
