21-06-2025
WATCH: Youth choir thrills as Kruger sunset and bush sounds play along
The Ndlovu Youth Choir received a well-deserved 'golden buzzer' from the Kruger National Park audience at Friday night's (June 13) Kruger Concert for Conservation organised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
The choir first shot to fame in 2019 when they ended in the top 10 of America's Got Talent, stealing the hearts of the judges and audiences in the process. From humble beginnings as a choir from a remote village in Limpopo, the group's new-found fame took them on a global journey, performing, producing music albums and garnering millions of views on social media platforms.
With perfect weather and a magical setting, the evening started with the 500 guests enjoying harvest table delicacies and sipping on a variety of great wines, gin and bubbly.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Set against the sunset canvas of red and orange and the life-size Honorary Rangers elephants standing tall next to the main stage, the Skukuza runway was transformed.
Better ambience could not have been asked for when the concert commenced with the Lowveld group, Meisie Music, featuring Naomi Tagg and Janette Rottcher on violins, with Lizanne Barnard on piano, vocals, flute and drum.
Their renditions of 'The Fire Within', 'My Sarie Marais', 'Now We are Free' and 'Mamela' lay the foundation for the rest of the programme.
With everyone in high spirits, the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir burst onto the stage after a short break, filling the air with vibrant song and dance.
Crowd favourites like 'My African Dream', 'Shosholoza', Toto's 'Africa', and a twist on Kurt Darren's song 'Kaptein' had everyone tapping their feet.
You could hear a pin drop when their adaptation of 'Nessun Dorma', with its distinct African sounds, was performed. The audience rewarded it with a standing ovation.
Even more unexpected was the rendition of 'Bohemian Rhapsody', unlike anything heard before. Ralf Schmitt, the co-founder and artistic director of the Ndlovu Youth Choir, proudly announced that the official release of the song will take place in the next few weeks.
The youngsters' powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerising choreography and infectious energy, ignited the audience, and by the time they played out with 'Pata Pata', everyone was on their feet.
The evening not only shared a musical message of hope, love and cohesion, but also kindled the African spirit of those in attendance.
The main sponsors, First National Bank and Suzuki Nelspruit, were equally impressed with the evening.
Head of fundraising for the Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region, Linda Pieters, said the event exceeded all expectations.
'We are truly blessed with the generosity of our sponsors and the guests who attended. The funds will be used for various approved projects in the Kruger National Park.'
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