Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Twenty-eight years after their voices travelled from a remote village in Binga to the national stage, the Siansundu Primary School Gospel Choir remains a reminder of how talent, faith and determination can open doors for children from underprivileged communities.
In 1998, 18 pupils from Siansundu Primary School embarked on a journey of musical discovery, travelling nearly 400km to Bulawayo to record an eight-track Gospel album titled Maranatha at Moonlight Studios.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Meluleki Mhlanga, the children turned their passion for gospel music into a project that would place their school and community in the national spotlight.
The album, whose title means “Our Lord, come”, featured songs in Tonga, isiNdebele and English, reflecting the cultural diversity of the group while giving prominence to the Tonga language.
The project was an opportunity to expose children who lacked resources but possessed exceptional vocal talent, to be able to realise their dreams.
The project went beyond the recording studio, earning the choir national exposure through television, radio and print media. It also offered a rare opportunity for voices from the Zambezi Valley to reach audiences across Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga played a central role in bringing the project to life, recording the children while also playing the drums and keyboards. Moonlight Studios provided the platform that helped transform the pupils’ musical ambitions into a tangible achievement.
Nearly three decades later, the story of the Siansundu Primary School Gospel Choir remains significant in conversations about cultural representation, rural talent development and the power of music to transcend geographical boundaries.
For Binga, the achievement was more than a school music project. It was a moment of recognition for a community whose voices deserved to be heard.
As the years pass, Maranatha stands as a testament to what can happen when dedicated educators recognise talent and create opportunities for young people to shine.
