Big Choir Workshop: Brunswick Heads Public School | Monday 11 June | 2-5pm | $15/$12 kids free
Show: Mullum Civic Hall | Thursday 14 June | 7pm
They’ve had sold out shows in Sydney and Melbourne and the Ubuntu Choir’s Australian tour will be hitting the boards in Mullumbimby’s Civic Hall on Thursday, June 14 with a spectacular show of drumming and dance that showcases the heart of Africa. The show will be supported by local kids’ choirs from Cape Byron Steiner School, The Pocket and Brunswick Heads Public Schools who will be doing workshops prior to the concert.
Locals can also join in the Big Choir workshop on Monday, June 11 to learn some songs before the show. Participants will learn two songs to sing together with the choir at the Ubuntu concert.
‘The workshops are highly interactive and everyone gets involved dancing and drumming,’ said Abraham Kiyingiwho grew up in the African Children’s Choir and is now one of the leaders in the organisation.
The Make That Change Australian tour is the second time Ubuntu, a gifted group of singers, musicians and dancers who were former members of the world-renowned African Children’s Choir, have toured Australia.
Having just graduated from high school through African Children’s Choir sponsorship, these talented 18-20 year olds are touring Australia just prior to starting university.
Martha Namujju who is participating in the tour was selected for a scholarship when she was seven and will be going to university to study to become a secondary school teacher following the Australian tour. ‘The scholarship has sponsored me through primary and secondary school and will sponsor me through university,’ said Martha.
The children audition for the scholarships and are selected for their singing and dancing skills rather than on the basis of their educational level.
Some children don’t perform well in the educational tests because of the conditions they live in but when they get to school with the scholarship they really leap forward.
Staying with host families has been a highlight of the tour for Martha as it is ‘good to interact and hang out,’ she said.
‘They have been so welcoming. It has been really fun and travelling the world has opened my mind.’
Book online www.trybooking.com/UXWQ or Contact Janet: [email protected] phone 0438 965 397.
