The Hout Bay Ingoma Choir are to back to host their ever-popular annual summer concert on Wednesday February 19.

Now in their 8th year, the famous choir from the township of Imizamo Yethu, are ready to delight locals and visitors alike with their mesmerising harmonies.

Founder of the Hout Bay Ingoma Choir, Tanya Blacher, said the choir's repertoire predominantly consisted of traditional a capella choral pieces sung in isiXhosa and other African languages, complemented by occasional drumming and the infusion of English/western songs.

“The Ingoma Choir has solidified its status as one of the most successful performance choirs in the Western Cape. The choir was founded to celebrate the profound beauty of African choral music while uplifting talented singers navigating the challenges of township life,” Ms Blacher said.

Their impressive resume includes performances at numerous weddings and private events, appearances on national and international TV, backing vocals for pop stars, and starring roles in TV and radio advertisements for major brands like Shoprite, Checkers, and Spur.

In 2024, the choir performed at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. In collaboration with Amoyo Performing Arts, a new musical theatre production - Nitasuburi (I will wait) - was created, scored and staged, to fantastic reviews and enthusiastic audiences.

With approximately 25 members, both men and women aged between 16 and 45, the choir represents diverse backgrounds.

“Many are employed in restaurants, petrol stations, and supermarkets, while others contribute to their communities in teaching roles or pursue education at schools or colleges,” Ms Blacher said. Some members are currently unemployed.

Leading this talented ensemble is the esteemed conductor and musical director, Lunathi Ncamani, a lecturer in African choral at Stellenbosch University.

Originally from East London, Mr Ncamani has been guiding the Ingoma Choir to new levels of musical expertise, professionalism, and maturity, Ms Blacher proudly said.

This is the first the Hout Bay Ingoma Choir will perform at Ambleside's theatre space - which has increased seating and great acoustics.

Drinks and snacks will be available for sale, along with Ingoma merchandise and CDs. Doors open at 6.15pm, and the choir is due on stage at 7pm. There will be two sections with an interval. Tickets cost R160 each and are available at Quicket or email info@ingoma.co.za for EFT or cash payments.

#imizamo-yethu

IY choir read to shine at summer concert