Freedom Day concert featured songs of hope

THE Emmanuel Cathedral erupted with Songs of Hope and Freedom on Friday, 27 April.

The concert was presented by Raise Your Voice and featured the Durban Gospel Choir and friends. The thoughtfully-curated concert paid musical tribute to songs that freed the oppressed and uplifted the weary during our country’s journey to Freedom.

Songs of Hope and Freedom featured the Durban Gospel Choir under the direction of Thornhill Motsoasele; a live band – a blend of jazz and classical musicians – under the musical direction of Burton Naidoo; narration was by award-winning actress Mpume Mthombeni and rising star Babuyile Shabala with guests Standard Bank Young Artist 2018 for Choreography, Musa Hlatwayo, and his Mhayise Dance Ensemble; Karen Van Pletsen (doubling in her role as show director) and the Glenwood Junior Primary School choir.

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Before the main event in the Cathedral, the audience enjoyed coffee and tea provided by members of the homeless community, and popcorn by trainee hospitality interns from the deaf community – and a mini-concert featuring the music and dance of the Young Mbazo and Ama Wosiyane, performing on an outdoor stage in the Cathedral Mall alongside the Denis Hurley Centre.

“Music played a huge role in the struggle for freedom in South Africa, and it can play an important role in facilitating much needed healing going forward. Songs can help us to understand our past so that we can better plan for the future,” said singer and Show Director, Karen van Pletsen.

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