Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FORMATIVE years are one of the most important times in any creative group.
This is because they set the tone for what the future would look like for them.
The Bulawayo Children’s Choir realised that and traded melodies for meaningful moments on Saturday as they visited Qinisani Day Care Orphanage in Sekusile, Nkulumane 5.
The visit saw the young choristers donate shoes, clothes, jackets, and jerseys to children at the facility, which has become a haven for many orphaned and vulnerable youngsters in Bulawayo.
The choir, founded in December last year by renowned music teacher Trevor Mawaka, was established not only to nurture Zimbabwe’s emerging musical talent but also to inspire social consciousness in young people.
This past weekend’s visit brought that testament to life.
“Thanks to Shekinah N Ndlovu aka Kinah Music who prompted us about Qinisani Children’s Home. So yesterday (Saturday) as Bulawayo Children’s Choir we took time off the rehearsal room and went out to give the little we had gathered and spent the day playing with other children,” said Mawaka.
“What I loved is that at the end of the day, you couldn’t tell who is who, the kids had made friends and were just happily playing together.”
In an age where much of youth culture is shaped by social media trends, often marked by superficiality and self-promotion, initiatives like this are a refreshing counter-balance.
Instead of capturing moments for likes, views and followers, the choir focused on authentic human connection.
“I think it’s really important for children to develop a philanthropic spirit from a young age. It teaches them empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. By giving back, they learn they’re part of a larger community and can make a positive impact. Our visit showed us that it’s not just about giving stuff, but about showing children they matter and are seen,” he added.
The Bulawayo Children’s Choir was created to give young singers a platform to showcase their talent while celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage as well.
This has been seen in their material with songs such as, Igama Lakho featuring an impressive line-up of local artistes, including Mzoe7, Thaluso the Poet, Butholezwe Ntini, Thandy Dhlana, and Novuyo Seagirl as well as Banolila which seeks to conscientious people about the importance of taking care of the environment.
Mawaka, who has also worked with the Charleston Trust Primary School Choir and Kenya’s Sawa Children’s Choir, believes in music’s power to unite and transform.
As the children sang, played, and laughed together, the lines of background and circumstance faded.
In that shared space, music and kindness took centre stage.
“Somebody said when you give to children, you give to the future. We are grateful to the parents of the choir for making this day possible,” Mawaka reflected.
Indeed, through voices raised in song and hearts open in service, the future looks a little brighter for the nascent choir in Bulawayo. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
