About Mzansi Youth Choir
Mzansi Youth Choir is a performance choir that represents the best of Sowetan Excellence.
The Mzansi Youth Choir was established with the aim of affording talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults the opportunity to proficiently perform locally and abroad.
The word Mzansi means “south” in isiZulu and is also the township slang word for South Africa. The choir’s repertoire is an exciting assortment of South African music which incorporates elements of traditional music, pop and jazz.
The cultural heartbeat of South Africa is presented in three pillars:
Our Roots (traditional music),
Our Spirit (gospel and anthems),
Our Youth (current pop music).
About Our Team
Sidumo Nyamezele, Music Director
Sidumo Nyamezele completed his music and choral conducting studies at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth, SA), becoming a sought-after adjudicator of choral competitions. He was also the winning conductor of the Folklore Section, at the World Choir Games 2019 with a 95% score. Sidumo conducted the World Youth Choir for two years whilst they toured extensively abroad, and is also involved in the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Trainers Programme, guiding and lecturing aspirant conductors throughout South Africa, and conducting master classes and workshops globally. Currently, he is a member of the Music Department at St John’s School, Parktown, Johannesburg, and holds the position of Music Director of the Mzansi Youth Choir.
Alfred Phakathi, Artistic Director and Choreographer
Alfred Phakathi was the lead dancer and managing director of African Footprint which had 3 000 shows in Europe from 2000. Since his retirement as a professional dancer, he has been appointed as the Mzansi Youth Choir’s first Artistic Director and Choreographer in 2010.
He became a world leader in the new specialist space of choral choreography and Alfred is well known as the father of choral choreography in South Africa. He is also a freelance producer and artistic director of many corporate shows over Africa.
Our Journey
2003
Choir was established.
2010
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the choir shared the stage with Columbian superstar Shakira and local band Freshly Ground for the performance of the official World Cup song ‘WakaWaka’ at the Kick-Off Concert as well as the World Cup Final.
Watch Video2011
International tours of Canada, Denmark, Egypt, England, Scotland, Turkey and Russia.
2014
International tour in London
International tour in Turkey
2017
Performed at the International Youth Choir Festival at the Royal Albert Hall and in the Royal Festival Hall in London. The Mzansi Youth Choir was the only choir from the African continent to be selected to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and the only choir to receive a standing ovation.
2018
During 2018 the choir opened the concert with the Nigerian superstar D’Banj and closed the Global Citizen Concert with a stunning performance with world megastar Beyoncé in a packed FNB Stadium. This performance was broadcast to 180 countries across six continents.
Watch Video2019
International tour in Egypt
2020
The choir wins the first ever virtual World Choir Games with a heart-warming rendition of “A Million Dreams” – a video compilation of all choristers singing in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominated for Hollywood in Music Awards “Independent Music Video Category” with Wouter Kellerman for The Climb.
Performance in Dubai at the 2020 Dubai Expo.
2021
Collaborated with Nigerian Afropop singer, Yemi Allade for her song Rain.
Collaborated with multi-award-winning South African musician, Samthing Soweto (Danko)
Collaborated with PJ Powers (Bayete Mzansi).
2022
Performs the song "Umuzi Wethu" in the closing credits for the award-winning documentary titled ‘Land of the Free'.
Wins the 20th Annual Garden State Film Festival Movie Music Competition in New Jersey, USA. Release video with Grammy Award-winning South African flautist, Wouter Kellerman.
2023
For the first time ever on America's Got Talent, all judges, the host as well as the roaring audience, awarded our performance with a GOLDEN BUZZER!
Returned for the finals of America's Got Talent and performed “Worship” with the five X Grammy winner Jon Batiste