Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Bulawayo Children’s Choir has marked its first year of existence with an impressive display of talent, dedication and community spirit — establishing its name in the music scene and collaborating with some of the industry’s heavyweights.
Founded in December 2024 by music teacher Trevor Mawaka, the choir has been making waves in Zimbabwe’s music landscape with its powerful and uplifting performances.
With seven singles under its belt, the choir has showcased incredible versatility and range.
Its debut single, Banolila (Mother Nature is Crying), propelled the group to prominence after enjoying massive airplay on local radio stations. The song addresses the pressing issue of climate change, highlighting its devastating effects on the planet and the urgent need for humanity to take action against global warming.
Other notable releases include Bulawayo – The Place We Call Home — a heartfelt tribute to the City of Kings — and Igama Lakho (It’s All in the Name), a soul-stirring track exploring the significance of names and identity.
In just one year, the choir has managed to collaborate with musical heavyweights, including multi-award-winning hip-hop sensation Asaph Afrika, Meet Luminous, Mzoe 7, Thandy Dhlana and Novuyo Seagirl, among others.
Founding director Trevor Mawaka said he created the choir to help talented children by giving them a platform to be nurtured and chase their dreams. A teacher by profession, Mawaka said the success of his project with Charleston Trust Primary School Choir (CTPSC) inspired him to search for talent and bring gifted children from different schools around Bulawayo together under one ensemble.
Reflecting on the first year since the group’s establishment, Mawaka expressed pride in the choir’s achievements, saying it continues to uphold its values and fulfil its core mission of giving young kids a platform to shine.
“The initiative of creating the choir came through my passion for music and working with children. As a music educator, I recognised the need for a platform that would provide young talent with opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their abilities.
“The choir doesn’t discriminate — it accommodates any child. As we speak, the ensemble comprises children from different schools, including Dominican Convent, Hillside Primary, WASC Group of Schools, Greenfield, Charleston Trust, as well as Ngwalongwalo Primary. We will be recruiting more children to expand the choir,” said Mawaka.
On top of having a successful year, Mawaka said he finds it incredibly rewarding to work with young children in nurturing their talents.
“While it can be challenging at times, the experiences I have created with these young kids are overwhelmingly positive. Children are naturally curious and eager to learn, which makes the mentoring process enjoyable and fulfilling. We are looking forward to more years of that,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Sunday (December 7), the Bulawayo Children’s Choir will perform live at the Amnesty International Run 4 Rights event, alongside Mzoe 7 and Vuyo Brown — a clear sign that the choir is now recognised as one of the best in Bulawayo.
Bongani Ndlovu