imilonji

sweet sounds struggle for peace

i heard a voice

Products by Category

Test

R100,00

Welcome to Imilonji Kantu Choral Society

Imilonji kaNtu – loosely translated to “Sweet Sounds of the People” is a community based Choral Society based in the sprawling City of Soweto. Led by the founder, Conductor and Music Director George Gobingca Mxadana, the society was founded in 1982 and has continued to grow and develop in leaps and bounds. Those who have heard their sweet sounds fondly refer to the choir as “Imilonji”.

Imilonji kaNtu Choral Society is one of South Africa’s most prestigious choirs, founded by choristers from Soweto. The group has performed at music festivals around the world, as well as at the inauguration ceremonies of former President Nelson Mandela in 1994 and former President Thabo Mbeki in 1999.

About Us

“The Struggle”

The existence of the Choral Society has been inextricably linked to the history of its community. From its inception, the choir deliberately took a stance to contribute towards the fight against apartheid using song as a vehicle…

Vision & Mission

Vision:
Strive for high-quality singing and musical performance. Through excellence in singing, we reach out community and audience engagement…

OUR VISION

Our Management

OUR TEAM
George G. Mxadana – Music Director
Thami Nkomo – CEO
Liz Mahlangu – COO
…

MANAGEMENT

Interactive Community & History

COMMUNITY

−

Subtitle: Community Involvement & Collaborations

Imilonji Kantu has never existed in isolation. First it is part of the community in which it operates, then of the South African Society and the wider global village. Its activities and involvements are a reflection of this.

Locally the choir performs for numerous community projects at no cost. This way it assists communities to build their capacity and thus be self-sufficient and sustainable. At National level the choir has always been ready to heed the call to take part at National events, and this they consider as being part of their national duty.

This has often had the spin-off of being noticed and invited to take part at international level. At these international platforms the choir sees itself playing an ambassadorial role, displaying and representing South Africa’s rich cultural diversity, musical competence and dreams.

At community level the choir has worked on a project aimed at improving choral singing in worship. The Music Director G.G Mxadana ran a series of workshops with invited Church Choir members and conductors from around Soweto, with the support of Imilonji KaNtu Choristers.

CHURCH BACKGROUND

All 54 members of the choir share a common tradition and beginnings, singing in the church. They come from different backgrounds and professions – teachers, nurses, lecturers, public servants, staff in financial institutions and the private sector. Most important is that they come from communities that value song and choral singing in particular and that nurture this talent for the common good.

The church as a whole has had a major influence on the life of this choir. The South African Council of Churches (SACC) in particular has played a pivotal role, giving the choir much support and guidance in a number of projects. This was especially significant when it filled the political void created by the jailing and forced exile of our political leadership.

MUSIC DIRECTOR: GEORGE GOBINGCA MXADANA

Biography:

To all intents and purposes, Gobingca George Mxadana & Imilonji ka Ntu Choral Society are connected! George, the real person, is a typical township boy who grew up in a community where music was but a way of life. An altar boy during his youth, he was exposed to church music from a very early age and this became his love.

His interest ranges from mbqanga, to kwela and marabi with the unbroken record in the National Choir Eisteddfod by winning 1st position with the next competitor being 2nd placed with a 10 point margin! Imilonji kaNtu Choral Society was the first choir to perform indigenous music in the “own choice song” section and also perform in African attire at the Nation Choir Competitions.

In 1987, George’s excellence in music saw him win the SAA sponsored Conductor of the Year Award. His guidance saw the choir perform the Catholic liturgy in French at the Basilica in St. Denis during the 1998 Soccer World Cup. He has served on numerous bodies including the Arts and Culture Trust and as chairman of the Old Mutual and Telkom National Choir Festival.

MUSIC COLLABORATIONS

Significant Performances:

European Choir Festival (1989): Performed Britten’s War Requiem and Prokofiev’s Cantata “Alexander Nevsky” in Germany with choirs from 12 nations.
National Symphony Orchestra (1991): Several performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No 9.
“Nkosi the Healing Song” (1992): Production featuring Mara Louw, Jabu Khanyile, and James Mthoba.
Presidential Inaugurations: Performed at the inaugurations of President Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki.
International Performances: Conducted for Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales (1997).

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

SAMA Awards:

1996: SAMA for Best Choral Performance (CD: “Ibuyile I-Afrika”).
2001: Second SAMA for Best Choral Performance (CD: “Hymns; Songs of the People”).

Mary Ntsoaki ‘Noxabiso’ Mxadana Excellence Award:

Initiated to recognize contributions to choral music development. Mary was one of the most talented contralto singers and an astute administrator who set high standards for the choir. The award recognizes:

Musical Excellence
Administrative Skills
Networking Skills
Strategic Vision

PRESS RELEASES

“Flower of Soweto”:

Following the successful performance of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica”, the society released “Flower of Soweto” (Blomster i Soweto), a compilation of local popular hits ranging from dance, traditional, and gospel songs.

African Sound Experience:

Collaboration with the Traditional African Orchestra (TAO) and Drumstruck in Newtown. Featured indigenous instruments like the Kudu horn, marimba, tshikona reed pipe, and uhadi bow harp.