A choir from Mabopane, north of Pretoria, has taken home three gold medals in 12 yearsy The World Choir Games in South Korea have high hopes that their latest achievement will open international doors for them.
The contest in South Korea was Bokamusu Choir’s first participation in a global competition.
The 91-member choir, which is part of Bokamoso Arts Centre, has competed in categories such as Sacra Music, Mixed Choir and Folklore, winning gold medals.
The 12th World Choir Games started on July 3 and ended on July 13. The group returned home on Saturday.
Speaking to Sowetan on Sunday, Bokamuso Art Institute CEO Nesba Madaka said she still couldn’t believe they won.
We were competing with 46 countries and over 400 choirs. The level was very high like the Olympic Games and the Football World Cup. We competed in tournament categories against champions from the United States, Germany, Italy, Indonesia and more. It was our first time, and we are thrilled with the achievement.
“Win these gold medals [in three categories] It put us in a better position as we now sit in fourth place in the world rankings. This has officially launched our name around the world and will open some doors for us. But this trip to South Korea would not have been possible without businessman Tirru Mbane who owns Kutlwano Trading 60. He was really convinced by our vision and supported us with R4.5 million for flights, food and accommodation for the choir.”
Medaka said Bukamuso is made up of people between the ages of 14 and 42. The choir which started in January 2022 started their competitive journey at the African Gospel and Choir Championships in Rwanda where they won in all categories.