Local performers shine on international stage

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in since last week after the Ndlovu Youth Choir from Moutse village in Dennilton and musician Maya ‘Sho Madjozi’ Wegerif, who hails from Shirley village near Elim flew the Limpopo flag high on international stages.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir swept the crowd off its feet during their performance on America’s Got Talent in the United States last Tuesday while Sho Madjozi beat the best to win the prestigious Black Entertainment Television (BET) network award in the category of Best New International Act in Los Angeles last Sunday.
The choir received four ‘yesses’ from the judges meaning that they will be proceeding to the next round of the competition. Their performance of My African Dream conducted by choir director Ralf Schmitt and composed by South African born Alan Lazar that was aired on television last Tuesday seemingly brought excitement in most people as it was shared on various social media platforms.
Sho Madjozi got a warm welcome at the O.R Tambo International Airport on Monday as she was received by Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Thandi Moraka, Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, family and friends and her fans.
In footage made available to Polokwane Observer Moraka urged Sho Madjozi to be loyal to who she is and stick to her culture. She further indicated that Premier Stan Mathabatha was also proud of her. She added that Mathabatha directed her office to organise a big celebration to honour Limpopo performers and athletes who proudly represented the province on an international stage. Moraka highlighted that the dates and venues for the celebration will be communicated in due course.
Sho Madjozi said in footage: “As Tsonga people and people from Limpopo we belong in all these places and this is my biggest achievement so far. The award came as a surprise and it took me time to digest the news. It was a great experience and a big moment for me. My team and I worked so hard, we don’t rest but it is nice to see the hard work paying off. Right now the rest of the world is excited about the African music and culture.”
By the time of going to print attempts to get hold of Schmitt were in vain.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.z