Mzansi youth choir
(previously ekurhuleni youth choir)

Based in Gauteng

The Mzansi Youth Choir (previously Ekurhuleni Youth Choir) was established in July 2003 with the aim of affording talented underprivileged teenagers and young adults the opportunity to proficiently perform locally and abroad. Their repertoire is an exciting assortment of African music which incorporates elements of traditional music, pop and jazz. Their pulsating energy, buoyancy and devotion to South African music is an experience not to be missed. 

In 2004 the choir performed with the Tuscon Boys Choir from Arizona in Texas, USA; the Kokopelli Youth Choir from Edmonton in Canada and the Radcliffe Choral Society Girls choir from Harvard University, Boston, USA. They also performed to 5000 guests at a conference in Midrand, and was the only choir invited to sing the Pan African Anthem during the opening of the Pan African Parliament.

In 2005 the choir performed inter alia with the Drakensberg Boys Choir, the South African National Youth Orchestra, and hosted the Leuvens Meisjeskoor from Belgium. The choir year closed with a wonderful Christmas Concert which was held in Pretoria.

In 2006 the choir once again performed with the Drakensberg Boys Choir and had a successful performance with Laurika Rauch in Pretoria, where they received numerous standing ovations. Their lively performance entertained guests at the Jet Community awards at Gallagher Estate, and the Mzansi Youth Choir also presented a choir festival in the new Woodlands Centre, Moreletapark, with guest artist Nianell. The final concert of the year was a Christmas celebration held in Pretoria for RSG radio station.  

If the success of the Mzansi Youth Choir’s first three years was anything to go by 2007 was certain to be bumper year for the choir and it didn’t disappoint. The year started with a performance at the University of Pretoria which was followed up by performances and international media interviews at Sun City and Rustenburg. The choir then went on to record their second album titled “Alive”. Two of the tracks on the album were recorded with Pops Mohamed who accompanied the choir on the Kora. With its eclectic mix of traditional African music, pop and jazz “Alive” was described by critics as the definitive modern African choral album, which epitomises the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the youth of South Africa. The CD was launched at a gathering of the National Press Club in Pretoria and the choir’s performance once again received numerous standing ovations. “Alive” will soon be available on Amazon.com and all good music stores.

Following the launch of their CD, the choir successfully performed at conferences and music festivals around Gauteng. In September EYC hosted the first National Choral Festival which was held in The Great Hall at Wits and included choirs from across the country and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. The final concert of the year was a performance at the much loved “Songs of Praise” hosted by Maestro Richard Cock.

In 2008 the choir promises to abide by its slogan of being “Unashamedly African”, and to continue providing South Africans with hope and optimism for the future of our beautiful land. The vibrancy and enthusiasm of the youth of South Africa is most definitely “Alive with possibilities”.