The Ndlovu Youth Choir, which has been supported by the Hugo Tempelman Foundation since it was founded, impressively demonstrates how music can build bridges between cultures and continents. In 2023, the choir from the South African township of Moutse traveled to Berlin to be part of an extraordinary musical project together with the Vokalhelden youth choir of the Berliner Philharmoniker. The support of the Postcode Lottery Germany made this stay possible.
This special encounter was documented as part of the KiKA documentary series “Schau in meine Welt! Under the title “Singen verbindet! – Vocal heroes meet Ndlovu”, the episode accompanies the two choirs during an intensive workshop in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall. The highlight of the project: an unforgettable joint performance at the Brandenburg Gate.
Since its foundation in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has established itself as a cultural ambassador for South Africa. The choir offers young people from difficult backgrounds a stage on which they can develop their musical talents, strengthen their self-confidence and draw hope. With a unique blend of South African rhythms, dance and traditional singing, the choir inspires audiences worldwide – from performances in townships to international stages such as “America’s Got Talent”.
In Berlin, the Ndlovu Youth Choir proved once again how unifying music can be. The collaboration with the Berlin “vocal heroes” led to an exchange that went far beyond music. 14-year-old Clara, a member of the Berlin youth choir, spoke enthusiastically in the documentary about how inspiring and harmonious the collaboration with the guests from South Africa was.
The documentary “Singen verbindet! – Vocal heroes meet Ndlovu” is still available in the ARD Mediathek. Experience the moving story of the Ndlovu Youth Choir and the magical connection between music and community!
Pictures: Dirk Heuer
