New choir wows big crowd
The new choir wowed the large audience of about 250 in Loumarina recently.
Gospel singing was taken to a whole new level at the launch of the newly formed West Rand Gospel Choir (WRGC) on Friday, 4 May.
The host venue was Vredenvlucht Estate where the new choir wowed the large audience of about 250. Their stage presence, the lights and sound brought life to the restaurant.
The choir was joined by Carmen du Plessis, local artists and Pastor Johan van der Merwe who sang traditional Zulu and Xhosa choruses that had the audience on its feet.
Top actor Patrick Shai from 7de Laan together with WRGC director Bafana Nkosi cut a ribbon to mark this epic occasion.
The 23-member choir was formed recently and comprises unemployed musicians and soloists from all over the West Rand Region (Westonaria, Randfontein, Carletonville and Krugersdorp). The idea came from Rand West City’s first lady, Ntsiki Khumalo, wife of Mayor Mzi.
“I met Ntsiki through Mandla Hamnca, event organiser of Proud Fathers – a group supporting responsible fatherhood – and I want to join her in a quest to eradicate femicide as the future of most girls is under stress,” said Patrick who is also an anti woman abuse activist and a member of Khuluma Ndoda, an organisation that campaigns against spousal abuse and femicide.
Rosa van Niekerk, Mrs Classic Universe, also had a word of encouragement for the new choir. She believes they can go all the way.
“I come from a small town – Westonaria. It was by the grace of God that I entered the pageant and won, despite not having any experience in modelling or beauty pageants. I have a law background and I love riding horses.”
The involvement of two formidable artists in Bafana and Pretty Cossa adds more impetus to the choir. Pretty has been part of two big projects, Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise, performing with Benjamin Dube, Omega and others, while Ntsiki and Jonki Nqoko – the first lady’s cousin – have opened up and shared the stage with other singers/ luminaries like Mnqobi from Joyous Celebration, Lebo Sekgobela and William Sejake in the past.
“Prior to the launch we as WRGC performed at Rhema last year, opened for Nombulelo at the Randfontein Show and also at the Social Cohesion Games,” said Ntsiki
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