Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
When Choice Children’s Choir took to the stage at the 23rd edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) last month, dressed in elegant formal wear with the iconic Zimbabwean scarf draped around them, they left audiences with goosebumps.
The youthful ensemble, comprising singers aged between 8 and 15, stole the spotlight with their powerful vocals as they delivered a stirring rendition of Zimbabwe’s national anthem. Their performance perfectly aligned with the awards ceremony’s Afrofuturism theme, signalling a bright future for the country’s music scene.
Singing the national anthem in three languages seemed effortless for them, their harmonious voices resonating through the grand Hippodrome in Braeside, Harare.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, the group’s chorister reflected on the choir’s eight-year journey.
“The Choice Children’s Choir seeks to nurture and showcase young talent from Harare, with the vision of competing on the world stage while celebrating Zimbabwean culture and heritage. The choir was founded in 2017 as an alliance of various music departments from Harare’s junior schools.”
While their primary focus is singing, the choir also embraces traditional Zimbabwean dance, recognising the deep connection between music and movement in African culture.
The Choice Children’s Choir brings together children from diverse backgrounds.
“We work with children from different social and economic backgrounds, creating a platform where they can interact and learn from one another. Our goal is to develop Zimbabwean and African choral music while also appreciating and embracing global musical influences. Through this, our children not only learn about different cultures but also proudly share our own with the world.”
Barely a year after their formation, the choir made its first international appearance at a competition in South Africa.
“In 2018, we competed at the World Choir Games in Tshwane, where we earned a silver medal in the Open Non-Competitive Category. We were one of two Zimbabwean choirs to make history as the first-ever participants from Zimbabwe at this prestigious event.”
Their international success continued as in 2023, they competed at the International Lisbon Sings Choir Competition, securing two silver medals in the Championship Categories, standing shoulder to shoulder with adult choirs from Europe. They were the only African choir in the competition. In 2024, they took part in the Sing for Gold — World Choral Cup in Spain, where they won Zimbabwe’s first-ever gold medal in the Championship Category, along with an additional silver medal.
With their reputation growing, the choir has ambitious plans for the future.
“In 2025, we’ll embark on a European tour, performing in three different countries and competing in the Canta Al Mar Choral Festival. It promises to be an exciting milestone for us,” said the chorister. — Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
