Afrikaans pop singer Zandre won the hearts of many young children when she performed at The Backyard in Nelmapius on Human Rights day.
The singer impressed the kids when she sang popular township songs as Pata Pata, Meadowlands, Buti ndi hamba nawe in isiZulu, seSotho and isiXhosa.
The songs have been made famous by artists such as Mafikizolo, Miriam Makeba Dorothy Masuka.
“It’s part of my outreach project. The purpose is to encourage kids to go to school, to follow their dreams, not to do drugs, and to never stop dreaming,” said Zandre.
She said her visit to the township was inspired by her love for people, languages and music.
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Zandre also performed some of the songs from her latest album, Embracing Africa.
Zandre said she contacted a group of business people who had planned a fun run for Human Rights day in Nelmapius and asked if she could be allowed to perform.
The organiser, Bafana Xulu said they were impressed that Zandre chose to come and perform for children in Nelmapius.
“It was amazing, the kids came truly prepared and looking forward to listen and participate, and they were ready to dance,” said Xulu.
“They sang along with her, danced with her, asked questions…they participated, so I think it was a wonderful exchange with the young people.”
Zandre said she was grateful to her domestic worker, Ausi Dina, who she said taught her about different cultures.
“Music is the best way of promoting tolerance because there’s no political agenda involved, there’s no race involved, there’s no black or white, it’s a feeling thing. Music makes you happy and we are happy to come here and make the children happy.”
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Zandre currently has 4 albums to her name.
In Embracing Africa, she sings in six different languages because she can.
“I grew up around different languages and so I decided to learn them all.”
She also said felt that speaking and singing in many languages gave her the edge.
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