Ndlovu Youth Choir

**Ndlovu Youth Choir** was a Choir act from FantasyAGT: Battle of the Champions. They were eliminated in the Semifinals.

## Background

Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has profoundly affected the lives of the choristers and demonstrates the potential of any human being to achieve excellence no matter their background, education or place of birth. From its humble beginnings as an after-school activity the choir has evolved into a truly outstanding professional ensemble. The Ndlovu Youth Choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of musical tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

Choristers that have been part of the Ndlovu Youth Choir have said that the chance to be part of a world-class extramural developmental program offers them hope, not only for enhanced opportunities but as a diversion from the challenges that come from living in disadvantaged communities. The risk of alcohol, drugs, teenage pregnancy and other problems are practically eliminated because choral music requires such a time investment. The Ndlovu Youth Choir aims to create a place of comfort and care and strive to nurture values such as self-discipline, self-confidence, tolerance, respect and leadership in our choristers.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir sings songs in all 11 South African languages which include Zulu, Xhosa and English. The choir’s music incorporates traditional South African genres such as isicathamiya, a style popularized by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Their repertoire also includes ancient tribal chants, inspirational gospel, contemporary Afro-Pop and Jazz by globally acclaimed South African artists such as Hugh Masakela and Miriam Makeba, as well as original songs describing African life with a call for African unity.

The choir is vibrant, exuberant and colourful, and delivers a toe-tapping and energetic South African musical performance irresistibly combined with mesmerising choreography. [1]

## Preliminary

Ndlovu Youth Choir's performance in Episode BC04 consisted of them singing and dancing to an original song titled "My African Dream." Their inspiring performance inspired judges Mike, Saf, Pennies, and Fresh to give them standing ovations. Their performance was strong enough to send them to judge cuts over Tears for Fears.

## Judge Cuts

Ndlovu Youth Choir's performance in Episode BC08 consisted of the choir performing "Waka Waka." Mike, Saf, Pennies, Fresh, and guest judge Luke all loved the performance and gave it a standing ovation. Their performance was strong enough for the judges to send them to the quarterfinals.

## Quarterfinals

Ndlovu Youth Choir's performance in Episode BC011 consisted of them performing "Beautiful Day" by U2. Once again, judges Mike, Saf, Pennies, and Fresh all gave the choir a standing ovation. Their performance was strong enough to advance to the semifinals over STOMP!.

## Semifinals

Ndlovu Youth's Choir performance in Episode BC015 consisted of the choir singing and dancing to "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston and Kygo. Continuously amazed by them, judges Mike, Saf, Pennies, and Fresh all gave the choir standing ovations. Despite their praise early on in the competition, they were not sent to the finals, eliminated instead of Haley Reinhart.