Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most loved choirs. Their unique musical arrangements, powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerising choreography and infectious energy have inspired millions across the globe.
Eleven years after turning an after-school programme (The choir was formed by the Ndlovu Care Group’s Orphan and Vulnerable Children Programme) into a recording and touring career, the choir uses their talents to beautifully share their inspirational story through music .
The choir’s repertoire is an exciting mix of traditional South African genres with pop, rock, jazz and EDM. Their intention to create a fresh and original sound is evident in their ability to take internationally well-known songs – Toto’s Africa, Steve Winwood’s Higher Love, U2’s Beautiful Day and Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You – and move them into an exciting new territory.
The choir’s incredible run on America’s Got Talent (Season 14) made them the first choir in the history of either America’s Got Talent or Britain’s Got Talent to reach the final. Their soul-stirring performances won hearts and minds around the world. After their final AGT performance, legendary music producer and record executive Simon Cowell labelled the performance ‘The best final I have ever sat on in my life’. He went on to sign the choir and together with SYCO and Sony Music they released their first album, which debuted at number one on iTunes.
Since AGT, the choir has undertaken two European tours, sold out every public performance and performed on numerous local and international television and radio shows. Performance highlights include a performance to over 115 000 people in Cape Town and The Match in Africa which featured Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Bill Gates and Trevor Noah.
During the Coronavirus crisis the choir continued to offer hope and inspiration through their enthusiastic COVID-19 musical public service messages which were shared by the WHO and the United Nations. They joined many of the world’s top A-list performers on a virtual stage when they were featured during the Global Citizens One World: Together at Home virtual concert and their performance with P!nk raised over $5 000 000 for UNICEF.
As the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s meteoric rise endures, they continue to push the creative boundaries of song and dance. Their high energy performances have not only thrilled audiences around the world, but have shared a message of hope, love and togetherness.