(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 perfomes for numerous community projects at no cost. This way it assist communities to build their capacity and thus be self-sufficient and sustainable. At National level the choir 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 ambassaorial role, displaying and repressenting 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.

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 influene 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.

"George Gobingca Mxadana & Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society"

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. This 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 perfrm in African attire at the Nation Choir Competions. At this time it was fashionable for choirs to be clad in Western attire as well as to perform Western music as a matter of preference.

The choir brought about ingenuity that led to the appreciation and embracing of "Africanness" that has become common practice at competitions. This was pioneering accompanied risk taking with the chance of rejection, but Imilonji KaNtu lived up to the challenge.

"George Gobingca Mxadana & Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society"

In 1987 George'sexcellent in music saw him win the the SAA sponsored Conductor of the Year Award at the Ford National Choir Eisteddfod. The prize was a trip for two for for George and his late wife Mary - a renownedmusician in her own right and alto soloist, to the internationally acclaimed mother of Choral Festivals, the Llangollen International Music Festival in North Wales.It is no surprise that George, leading the Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society, made a mark at this same Eisteddfod in July 1997.

The Inauguration Ceremony of the first democratically elected President of South Africa saw George Mxadana lead ImilonjiKaNtu Choral Society who on that occassion wore a specially designed outfit in the new National Flag. Here they raised the rafters' at the Union Buildings singing the National Anthem and entertaining Kings,Queens, Princes, Princesses as well as Head of States invited to this historic occasion.

Sport is a way of life in our country George together with the Choir have been part of major World events, among others, leading and participating in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Rugby World Cup (1995) & Africa Cup of Nations (Soccer) 1996. His passion for National Anthems of different countries has led him to present and interpret them in a way that has aroused warm emotions from citizens of the different countries at different national events.

Another highlight was a special invitation to take part in a special mass during the Soccer Woorld Cup France on (July 1998).This was celebrated at the Basilica in St. Denis. George's able guidance saw Imilonji KaNtu learn the Catholic liturgy in French with ease and present it for the thousands inside Basilica and millions of Tv viewers catching it live from France that morning.

Further testimony to George's love for Church Music is borne by the active role he has played in the liturgical music of the World Council of Churches (WCC). His roles included:

-Being of the worship team responsible for the design and planning of worship during conferences.

-Ensuring the inclusiveness and variety of language and music during worship.

-Designing symbolic actions to enhance worship.

-Teaching African music to Western delegates to increase cross-cultural appreciation in worship.

-Intracting with Gobingca, as he is fondly known, creates a new world of experience.In working with visiting musicians and conductors, George creates an atmosphere that will challenge even the uninspired. His charisma has won the hearts of many such celebrated musicians including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Garry Bertini,Colin Davis, Omari Hadari and scores of other musican worldwide. George's creativity and musical flair resulted in extraordinary musical interpretaions. He has and continues to serve on a number of bodies in the community, nationally and internationally. Some of these are;

-Former chairman of the Old Mutual and Telkom National, Choir Festival a body in existense since 1977 and serving thousands of choral music lovers across the country.

-Arts and Culture Trust-sponsored by Nedbank, the Netherlands,Southern Sun and Vodacom.

-Adjudicated at the TUATA (Transvaal United Afican Teacher's Association) Music Competitions for all levels and regions for 7 years.

-Adjudicating the Arts & amp; Culture Awards for the best contribution, support and projects of arts and culture in South Africa.

-African church music Animator/ Advisor to the world Council of Churches.

-Former Trainer and conductors of the Vodacom Choir.

-Former Trainer and conductor of the Tshwane Mayoral choir.

-Former Trainer of Leeukop Prisons Wardens Choir.

-Choral music programme presenter for Radio Today- 14.85

The Choir has also collaborated with other musicians and artists of different music genres,

"Music Collaboration"

significant are the following:

*Being part of a hundred voice mass choir made up of choirs from 12 nations from across the world that performed Briton's War Requiem and Prokofiev's Cantata "Alexander Nevsky" in Germany.This was part of the celebration of 200 years of the French Revolution with th e theme Brotherhood, Equlity and freedom at the European Choir Festival held by the Alte Oper in Frankfurt (August 1989).

*Several perfomances of Beethoven's Symphony No 9 with other local choirs notably SABC Choir and National Symphony Orchestra; Harmony Singers of Gugulethu, Capetown Symphony Choir accompanied by The Cape Town Symphony Orchestra-conducted by Maestro Omri Hadari from Israel in (1991).

*The celebration of the 95th Anniversary of Nkosi Sikelel' i-Afrika by Enoch Sontonga through the prodution "Nkosi the Healing Song" written by Mothobi Motluoatse and directed by Matsemela Manaka in 1992. The cast included Mara Louw, James Mthoba, Jabu Khanyile, Alistair Dube, Job Kubatsi, Coc Mercle and musicians Bheki Khoza, Khaya Mahlangu, Prince Lengoasa, Jabu Nkosi, Themba Mkhize, Mabe Thobejane.

"Music Collaboration"

Perhaps the words that best capture what the Imilonji Kantu Choir is all about are by Mr Reuel Khoza, a patron of the Society who charged the society during the 10th anniversary:

Sing, as uhuru comes to fruition, Sing, to make the promise of democracy, Sing, to raise the Nation from the dark and desolate valley of violene and into sunlight of racial justice and national prosperity.

The Choir took the innovattive step of appearing in a uniform made out of the then new South African Flag, and created great excitement!

The Inauguration Ceremony of the first democratically elected President of South Africa saw George Mxadana lead Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society who on that occasion wore a specially designed outfit in the design of the new National Flag. Here there 'raised the rafters' at the Union Buildings singing the N ational Anthem and entertaining Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses as well as Heads of State invited to this historic occasion.

*Inaugurations of President Mandela and the 1st term of President Thabo Mbeki.

*All the National Presidential Awards since their inception. There have also been invitations and international events inluding;

*Enthronement of Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the first black Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa.

*Funerals of several leaders including Helen Joseph (1993), Chris Hani, Oliver Tambo, Rev Beyer Naude (2004)

"Big Stage of Imilonji KaNtu Choir"

*President Nelson Mandela's 75th Birthaday in (July 1993).

*Submission of the final Truth & amp; Reconcilliation Commission (TRC) Report to the President of South Africa- (Nelson Mandela).

*State visit of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to South Africa

*Celebration of the Norwegian National Day in Oslo.

*State visit of Queen Elizabeth II of England to South Africa.

*Perfomance and recording with Helmut Lotti- "Helmut Lotti Out Of Africa"

*Perfomance with Dame KIri Te Kanawa at the Sun City Superbowl.

Recording of CD to commemorate the French Revolution in France and subsequent launch at celebration of the end of slavery at Reunion Islands.

*Perfomance at the Massey Hall Canada as part of the Toronto International Festival- the Joy of Singing in (June 1993).

*Invitation by Mayor & amp; Governor of Vienna Dr Helmut Zilk to Austria and visit to the statue of Ludwig van Beethoven (Nov 1993)

*Perfomance at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales (July 1997)

*Featured on Sipho Gumede's recording "Umhlaba Uyahlaba"

Sing, to lift our nation from the the quick sands of tribal hatred, onto the solid rock of black solidarity..

Sing, to help make Justice a reality of all God's children.

Sing, to transform the jangling discords of our Nation into a harmonious symphony of hope.

Sing, to help the Nation out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.

Sing, to bring about joyous daybreak to end the long night of strife and ignorance.

"IN 1996"

The choir received recognition from the local music industry when it was awarded a SAMA (SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARD) for the Best Choral Performance, based on their second CD "Ibuyile I-Afrika".

"IN 2001"

A second SAMA (SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARD) for third CD "Hymns;Songs of the People".

Mary Ntsoaki ''Noxabiso" Mxadana Excellence Award

The Mary Ntsoaki Mxadana Excellence Award was initiated in by Edgar Rosenburg one of the late Mary's friends.

Edgar wanted to recognise the contribution Mary had to the development of choral music, particularly within the Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society. Her contribution was not only through her singing ability, but also in other aspects of the choir's branding including image, efficient adminstration and overall recognition within South Africa and internationally.

Among others, Mary was blessed with the following characteristics which will be remembered through this award:

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Mary was one of the most talented contralto singers. She had a voice so unique that it stood out and gave musical colour to songs. She would liven up compositions by amateur compsers and even downright dull compositions. Mary was a lead soloist in the Wilba Music Group and the Soweto Teachers Choir.

The internationally acclaimed Khotso House Trio; made up of herself together with Thembi Sekgaphane, and Lenkie Khanyile was enriched by her critical ear for harmony, her dynamic music interpretation and anchored by her powerful and rich voice.

This is the trio that accompanied Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu to Norway and performed at the ceremony where he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mary freely and willingly shared these musical talents with the intention of enriching the experience of music lovers as well as developing up and coming musicians.

"MARY"

Mary was a talented musician; who shared her God-given gift with her community, country and the world.

"ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS"

In addition to her musical excellence, Mary was an astute administrator She was a goal getter nd results driven. With her there was no moment for procrastination and she was forthright with all her associates with no fear or favour. It was this discipline that contributed to the success of Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society and that of many individuals in the choir. She set high standards in all the mandates she executed and did not compromise on this.

Mary believe in all members of the Choir and shared her skills for the betterment of the organisation and all it's members.

"NETWORKS SKILLS"

It was through Mary's associations and networking that the choir got the many friends it has today. She used every opportunity to introduce the choir locally and internationally to people with influence because of the confidence she had in its ability to deliver.

The reputation the choir still enjoys today is largely as a result of her tireless endeavours and vision. She was an excellent Public Relations Officer in the true sense of the word The healthy finances of the choir were firmly set by her fundraising skills and she maintained the relations she built with funding entities for mutual benefit. She was a true diplomat.

Mary went the extra mile in ensuring that people noticed the choir for its contribution to the broader agenda of development.

THE STRATEGIST

Mary was always looking out for opportunities not for herself but for the choir and its members and spotted these in instances where no one else could.

Once she set had seen an opportunity she would pursue it rentlessly. Herquest for the choir to be associated with and dedicated itself to the striggles of the people of South Africa led to the choir being fondly known as "The People's Choir". She got every chorister to understand the importance of singing in context and in all situations affecting the community..

Once she had a strategy, she would succeed in convincing even the "not so easy to convince" Music Director that this was the way to go! Fortunately-she was right all the time!

"AWARD"

The award will be open to all members of the Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society; who have been with the choir for an unbroken period of five years.The members should demonstrate, amongst other characteristics; good singing ability, positive commitment to the choir, attendance at choir events, a positive influence on other members of the choir and contribution to the success of the choir by whatever means possible.

Choir members, irrespective of their period of membership, will nominate chisters they think meet the criteria-one nomination per part i.e Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.

The nominations will be by secret ballot and will be counted and shortlisted by a special committee that will be set up specifically for this purpose.This committee will be appointed annually and will be function for that current year only.

The shortlist will be forwarded to the Music Director for his input.The Music Director will be responsible for making final decision on the eligibility ofthe short listed members.In some instances the nominated members will be required to demonstrate, as support of their eligibility, their qualification in to a strict adjudication panel This may include an independent evaluator.

The successful candidate will be presented with the rotating Mary Mxadana Excellence Award trophy which the member will keep for a period of one year as well as monetary price whose value will be determined and reviewed from time to time.

In the event that there is no qualifying candidate the trophy will be kept by the Music Director and monetary price if obtained from a sponsorship put into the choir's funds. A successful nominee may not hold the award for two years in succession. In the event that the same choir member is nominated and is successful for two consecutive years the award will not be given in thesecond year, however the member will be recognised and acknowledged in some other way.

Mr Reuel Khoza- one of the choir's patrons summarized the qualifying criteria as follows;

"Optimal use of, musical talent, dedication to choral music administration, fund raiser, infinite resource, compassionate comforter of the bereaved, entertainer par excellence, ultimate humanist". - Reuel Khoza.

The first recipient of the award was the Music Director as the custodian of the award in 2005.

"PRESS RELEASE"

Following the succesful perfomanc of our beloved national anthem "Nkosi Sikelel 'Africa" on their last album (Ibuyile lafrica) release in 1993. Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society has released another top notch album entitled " Flower of Soweto" (Blomster i Soweto).

" Flower of Soweto " is a compiliation of local popular hits ranging from dance, traditional and gospel songs.

The album kicks off with"Umqobothi" ( a song originally sung by Yvonne Chaka Chaka).

Umqobothi -http:www.afrimusik.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_

Thangana Krila Gobingca George KaMxadana.

Music Director Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society.

"The recording team from the BBC (UK) including members of Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society" were very impressed with Basadi's performance.

I am generally known to be an impossible musician or rather an impossible perfectionist but even I was excited to have had opportunity of working with these girls girls from scratch with these musical arrangements.

They were wonderful, brilliant and impressive... Congratulations girls you did us proud and very proud."

http://www.drumcafe.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=2&id=55&Itemid=4

"SOUTH AFRICA'S FIRST TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ORCHESTRA PERFOMS IN NEWTOWN"

Finding the joy of oldest Africa

In a unique musical combo, the internationally acclaimed Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society, the Traditional African Ochestra (TAO), and Drumstuck are joining up to perfom the African Sound Experience.

It will be something never known in African Sound. Happenning over two nights only, Drumstruck will be followed in the second half with a melding of voice, drums, and traditional African instruments - many long since dissappeared from the continents's musical repertoire. Indeed, there has never before been such an occassion to witness the coming together of so many indigenous musical instruments.

Soweto's famous 40- strong Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society, led by director Gobingca George Mxadana, have raised goosebumps in a union with Kudu horn, marimba, tshikona reed pipe, ixilongwe,mbira drum, shakers and clappers, and the uhadi bow harp. Composer and instrument researcher Anthony Caplan trained the musicians.

Some of the instruments being played on the two nights, or incoporated into the orchestra, have not been played for decades or are played in such remote areas as to be difficult to source.

The Orchestra and the Drum Cafe', in an alliance with Gobingca George Mxadana, Wendeen Lieberman of the Arts & Culture Trust and Johannesburg's CIDA City Campus, have set out to rediscover Africa's unique musical legacy, and to use it in a celebration that is less about the past than a vote of confidence in the future.`

http/:www.nedbank.co.za/website/content/ artsaffinities/ Affinartsnewsdetails.asp?type= current&itemid=299&CatID=1487

McCullough and Church World Service thanked the the Imiloji KaNtu Choir and the others attending for speaking out publicly against stigmatization of people living with AIDS. " We have gathered here today to to celebrate teh meaning of our collective efforts to to eliminate this terrible disease from the face of the earth, " he added.

Dr. Molefe Tsele, General Secretary of the SAAC, said, "Many people living with AIDS ."We have gathered here today to celebrate the meaning of our collective efforts to eliminate this disease from the face of the earth,'' he added.

Dr. Molefe Tsele, General Secretary of the SAAC, said, " Many people living with AIDS report that the greatest pain is not having the disease itself, but the stigma associated with the.'' He called on the church'' to wage an onslaught against this stigma. The church needs to confess its self-righteousness and failure to embrace their brothers and sisters living....

http://www.interaction.org/newswire/detail.php?id=475