For many of the young Elandsdoorners, the “Miracle Theater” is a place where they can express themselves creatively: Singing, dancing, acting. Thanks to the support of the Ndlovu Care Group with musical instruments, trainers and the recording studio, everyone can realize their own potential here. Sandile is the director of the Mircale Theater. He himself was an outstanding singer, dancer and percussionist in the Ndlovu Youth Choir when the choir director Ralf Schmitt recognized his potential and decided to support him. Sandile completed a series of courses and trainings that qualified him as a DJ, recording director and percussionist.
Recently, Sipho, a close friend of Sandile’s and also a former member of the choir and versatile musician, was appointed musical director of the Miracle Theater. Sandile and Sipho both love music and share an enthusiasm for performing. They want to make everyone who shares their passion happy. Sandile says that they receive at least four messages a day from people who want to record their music in the Miracle recording studio. They try to support anyone who has even the slightest artistic potential.
Last year, Thomann provided extensive support for the construction of the recording studio in Elandsdoorn and not long afterwards Sandile sent out a call to all musicians with the proposal to form a jazz band. The interest was enormous. As Sandile reports, the only place to play an instrument in the rural area around Elandsdoorn was in church. And so the offer was more than welcome in the Miracle Theater. Soon a keyboard player, a pianist, a bass player and a drummer came together to form a small band. Sandile is the singer and “all-rounder” of the troupe. Sipho is also in the band and can play all the instruments. They call themselves “Umkhonto”, which means “spear”. The band rehearses regularly and is making huge progress. This is also recognized and appreciated by Ralf, the choirmaster: he now regularly uses the “Umkhonto” for performances by the Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Sandile and Sipho admit that they are quite busy. They often rehearse until after midnight. Both give lessons at Miracle. Sipho offers piano lessons, DJ lessons and much more. No one should be turned away, regardless of age or ability. Sandile and Sipho help all people who want to make their recordings in the Ndlovu recording studio and have already made many tapes for aspiring artists. In the process, they have already met some young people with amazing talents. They support everything from giving good advice on recording to accompanying the artists to gigs. That’s an amazing amount of commitment when you consider how much time a good quality recording takes in the studio alone.
For the two young men, this is more than just a job. It is their passion. Their creativity is mutually dependent and grows from day to day – they encourage and challenge each other every day, try out new methods and simply explore all the possibilities of the new LOGIX-PRO-X digital workstation that they have recently started using in the recording studio.
The combination of discipline and teamwork paired with the passion and creativity of the two is a real asset to the youth work at Miracle Theater and perfectly reflects the values of the Ndlovu Care Group.
Read more about the donation from Thomann
New instruments for the Ndlovu Youth Choir from Musikhaus Thomann
“Siyabonga” Thank you – the new instruments are here
Read more about Sandile
Wonderful events at the Miracle
