Ronnie Kabwama, one of the 10 adults who travel with the choir, and Imelda Namayanja perform with the Watoto Children’s Choir.
Camera IconRonnie Kabwama, one of the 10 adults who travel with the choir, and Imelda Namayanja perform with the Watoto Children’s Choir. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Music with vital message

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

The choir is made up of children who have lost their parents through war, disease or famine, but their concert ” Beautiful Africa: A New Generation ” is about new beginnings.

Founder Gary Skinner said the performance included original African music, energetic dance routines and life-transforming stories, and was indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of Watoto.

‘Through the choir’s Concert of Hope, we share a message of transformation by telling the story of Africa’s rescued orphans and women,’ Mr Skinner said.

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He said the concert offered an energetic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm.

The production debuted in the US in September 2011 and travelled through Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand in 2012 and is back to wow audiences all over Australia.

The four-month Australian tour commenced in Queensland in early May and finishes in WA on September 1.

The globally acclaimed Watoto Children’s Choir has travelled internationally since 1994 as ambassadors for the millions of children in Africa orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war and poverty.

Each of the children in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents and now lives in the Watoto Children’s Villages, where they receive the care and nurture they need to grow up as productive citizens of their country.

Since its inception, 61 choirs have travelled throughout the world, providing the children with a world view and an opportunity that most would otherwise never get.

The choirs have toured Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Asia and the US.

Their audiences included royalty, presidents, ministers and ordinary people alike, capturing hearts wherever they go.

The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken during the performance and the audience will be given the opportunity to sponsor a |Watoto child.