Makhanda Kwantu Choir

18/06/2026

Day 2: moving as one with breaks, patience, and purpose
it’s not just the grind, it’s how we grow through it ✨

18/06/2026

Meet the next amazing participating ensemble joining us at SCL on Tour 2026 at Sun City from 5–10 August 2026:

✨ St Stithians Boys' College Preparatory Marimba Band
✨ Conductor: Michael Sibanda

The St Stithians Boys’ Preparatory Marimba Band is a vibrant and accomplished ensemble dedicated to musical excellence, cultural exchange, and the celebration of African marimba music. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the band provides young musicians with opportunities to develop their performance skills while sharing South African musical traditions with diverse audiences. The ensemble has represented South Africa on international stages, including performances at the International Society for Music Education World Conference in Italy, Berklee College of Music, and the renowned Iguazú en Concierto international youth music festival. The band has also enjoyed cultural exchange opportunities with NAPRITT, strengthening international connections through music. Over the years, the ensemble has achieved numerous successes at the Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival, earning recognition for its energetic performances and high musical standards. In addition to performing at festivals, concerts, and community events, the band plays an active role in the annual St Stithians College Marimba Festival, helping to promote marimba music and inspire young musicians.
The St Stithians Boys’ Preparatory Marimba Band is honoured to participate in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, where it proudly represents South Africa’s rich musical heritage and spirit of youth collaboration.

16/06/2026

Bootcamp Day 2 and the energy is unmatched 🔥
finding rhythm, building trust, and moving as one ✨

15/06/2026

CALLING ALL SINGERS

The Masicule Youth Choir is seeking approximately 100 passionate choristers to be part of an exciting performance season at the National Arts Festival 2026.

Selected singers will have the opportunity to perform alongside some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, including The Bala Family, Nomfundo Moh, and Nontokozo Mkhize, in two major productions at the Guy Butler Theatre.

This is more than a performance opportunity. It is a chance to join a dynamic collective of young voices, develop your artistry, gain professional performance experience, and contribute to powerful musical storytelling on one of the country’s premier arts platforms.

Choristers will receive a small honorarium as a token of our appreciation for their contribution to the project.

How to Apply

Submit an audition video (individually or as a group) to the number listed on the poster.

Audition videos should:
• Be between 1–3 minutes long
• Include your:

* Full Name
* Date of Birth
* Address
* Choir or Institution Represented

📍 National Arts Festival 2026
🎭 Guy Butler Theatre

Performance Dates
• 26 June 2026 – The Bala Family with the Masicule Youth Choir
• 03 July 2026 – Nomfundo Moh & Nontokozo Mkhize with the Masicule Youth Choir

Scan the QR code on the poster or send your audition video to the contact number provided.

Join the voices. Share the stage. Tell the story.

29/05/2026

isiGqibo: Changes of Becoming 🌾✨
A cinematic choral journey of home, healing, memory and belonging.

This year, the Makhanda Kwantu Choir and Kwantu Foundation Choir invite you into 'isiGqibo: Changes of Becoming'. A powerful multidisciplinary performance exploring transformation, identity, memory and belonging. Through choral music, movement, storytelling and evocative visual imagery, isiGqibo reflects on the journeys that shape us, the places we call home, and the communities that hold us through change.

This is more than a concert; this is an immersive artistic experience that celebrates healing, resilience, and the beauty of transformation.

📍 Amazwi Museum
🎟️ R120

Show Dates
30 June — 16:00
1 July — 16:00
3 July — 10:00

Tickets available via the National Arts Festival website.

Production Team

Creative Director — Junaid Douglas

Musical Directors — Ambesa Cagwe & Loyiso Nyoka
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Technical Director — Nqobani Dabengwa

Production Manager — Thoriso Sabelo

Makeup and Design — Junaid Douglas & Zukhanye Stassia Nyeka

Producers — The Kwantu Choir Dreamers
Artistic Director & Executive Producer — Kutlwano Kepadisa


Photography by Yeukai Runyowayeukai .yeukai

12/05/2026

Another year of Masicule, another year of unforgettable music, growth, and history-making moments. ✨

Here are some of the highlights from Masicule 2026:

🎼 Zukhanye Stassia Nyeka made history as the first-ever female conductor to grace the Masicule stage. Conducting the mass choir in I Wanna Know What Love Is by Mick Jones (1984), arranged by Milton Biggham, alongside guest artists Pinky Bala and Zwai Bala, she delivered a moment of excellence and representation that will remain part of Masicule history. We are incredibly proud of our Chairperson. ❤️

🎶 Ambesa Cagwe premiered the final iteration of Memento (2024), composed and conducted by himself.
Memento, an ode to life, conveys the inevitability of death and, more importantly, the importance of living with good faith. Originally composed and premiered in 2024, the work has undergone revisions over the years, evolving into the 2026 iteration heard at Masicule. We are excited to see the choral director and founder of Kwantu Foundation Choir
continue reaching new heights with this remarkable work.

🌅 Loyiso Nyoka, in his second year as resident conductor, conducted and arranged a medley of Lakutshoni Langa / Ukholo Lwami, performed alongside Pinky Bala and Zwai Bala. His command, musicality, and artistry continue to make us proud.

And finally, thank you to the National Arts Festival
for putting together another incredible night of music, community, collaboration, and magic. ✨

Masicule 2026 — what a journey.
Here’s to even more next year. 🤍

10/05/2026

Composed by Engelhardt Unaeb from Namibia

19/04/2026

Few hours left to go! ⭐️

Masicule 2026
National Arts Festival
Sunday 19 April - 18:00 (SOLD OUT)
Monday 20 April - 19:00
* Special guests: Zwai & Pinky Bala

17/04/2026

Masicule 2026 🎶

Two incredible nights of music, community and magic!
📍 Monument, Grahamstown
🗓 Sunday 19 April – 18:00 (SOLD OUT)
🗓 Monday 20 April – 19:00
⭐ Special guests: Zwai & Pinky Bala

24/02/2026

Buy your tickets today!

DAY 2: The Journey to Re-imagine continues with the heart-capturing Makhanda Kwantu Choir🔥 Makhanda Kwantu Choir

📍 Don't miss a beat: Check the programme via the QR code or use the following link⬇️
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBjFYRv7M/L-jTEsqyMcTXEqdGGD3ILA/view?utm_content=DAHBjFYRv7M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he52e58d009

🗓️ Save the Date: March 28th, 2026 for a production like no other! With a many surprises.

Grab your tickets for the Season Finale before they’re gone! 🎟️
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/359390-breathe-african-consciousness/ #/