NMMU gives Argentina something to sing about

THE Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) choir was recently selected as one of 24 choirs – chosen out of 120 choirs from five continents – to perform at the prestigious International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) 9th World Choral Symposium in Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

They were the only choir from South Africa and Africa and did our country and city proud as ambassadors, said Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism chief executive.

The symposium is one of the most important events on the international choral calendar and is scheduled every three years in a different country, and often on different continents.

“It was an amazing experience travelling to South America for the first time, learning a new language and being immersed in a new culture for two weeks,” said choir member Danai Tembo.  “The warm reception we received from the other choirs and conductors at the Symposium made me so proud to be part of such an amazing and diverse choir.

“It also made me proud to be representing Nelson Mandela Bay and to know that I was part of a group that was, once again, putting Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and more importantly Nelson Mandela Bay on the map.”

Skefile said members of the NMMU choir are true Nelson Mandela Bay ambassadors, because of their amazing diversity and talent. “It’s an remarkable choir with a truly special blend of cultures. They are a perfect group of ambassadors for our city because they embody the beauty of our South African diversity and the unique friendliness of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Skefile.

Apart from showcasing the musical talent from Nelson Mandela Bay this trip gave the NMMU choir an opportunity to show the world how music bridges cultural gaps – both internally and externally. The choir is made up of 55 people, all from different cultural backgrounds.

In July 2012 the choir will again have the privilege of being ambassadors for the city after they received an invitation to represent Africa at the 11th China International Choral Festival and IFCM World Choral Summit in Beijing, China.  The theme of this global initiative will be Voices in Harmony.

“It was always great to tell people we met that we were from South Africa, but even better to say from Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Tembo.

Choir member Kim Witbooi added: “It was a privilege to represent Nelson Mandela Bay knowing that this is where I grew up and the fact that my city would be on the map made me feel proud to be a South African from Nelson Mandela Bay.”