My sister had told me about Curro Create, a programme where they sing, act and dance. I knew she sang because I've helped her choose a song to audition with at some point, I think. 

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Anyway, my mother called to inform me that the school's choir would be making their way to Riversands for a concert the week before. I immediately made sure to clear the rest of that day's plans so that we support and witness my sister, Tumiso, play and allow herself to be seen. 

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Disclaimer: I cried the entire 2 hours of the concert. ​

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Seeing my little sister allow herself to be seen, as she is, was so moving. I always obsess over whether or not I am being a great sibling. The age gap of 14 years is a little tricky, doesn't make it any easier. But it turns out, I have been doing exceptionally.

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Tumiso was part of the Northern Academy Curro Primary choir and they sang Indlela/Koloi, I'm yet to know who the composers are. It's described as a medley of two folks songs in Sotho and Zulu. Very cute and sweet because I weent to that school - boarding - from Grade 1 to 8. I feel like when I went they didn’t have none of this, not with this much investment. One could tell from the specific songs most of the choirs sang, there was a repertoire of songs made available for them to choose from. I would love to give props to the composers of this beautiful music because it allows for our children to join in song, find themselves and express.

 

When Tumi's choir walked on; my mom, Khanyi and I screamed her name, "Tumi!" and waved the red-hued flags they had handed out for us to use to show support and wave.

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The first highlight of the night was when my little sister moved to the chair by the drum and sat to play it. Tears just appeared and I cried that entire night until I went to sleep, quite literally. 

 

What I had hoped my sister feels about me was true. She mentioned that she wrote about me as a person who is creative that she looks up to and is inspired by. I have never felt more aligned in terms of living authentically. And it's all just me fully being myself.

 

Curro Sandown sang Botho by the UJ choir arranged by Mbuso Ndlovu. For me, that was the best performance of the night. They really captured me. The young soloist played a small djembe while standing and leading the song effortlessly. And looking us straight in the eye.

I don’t know his name. But when he’s trying to find himself and his gift or recognition or code; I hope this will be it. He is a performer.

 

Northern Academy High School also took me aback as they made their way to stage without a conductor even. It felt very Pitch Perfect and look, they sounded as great! They sang We will rise/Try everything; the latter sang by the lovely Shakira in Zootopia. Very talented group of singers in that group, really worked well together.

 

Curro Savanna City in their Sotho attire were remarkable with the most alive energy right from the conductor. He got off the stage at some point mid-performance for the Curro CEO, Cobus Loubser, to join in the dancing on stage with the rest of the choir. They were also real amazing performers. I liked that. Yeah, the kids are alright indeed.

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I would have loved to interview the choirmasters regarding the song choices and their different journeys leading up to the night of the Ke Nako! Festival of Voices. 

 

Wild thing, I kept looking at the male teachers and saying, “I hope they’re good people”. You can only pray and hope that the people in whose hands our children are, have pure genuine care and intentions. 

 

And for the final song chosen for mass choir, This is Me from The Greatest Showman; which I'm watching after penning this experience; what a piece of art! Truly, the writers, the composers and everyone who inspired it truly did a beautiful one for the arsty kids of 2025. I'm talking about children from 10 to18 years old, formative years. Thank you. This is Me is a beautiful piece! 

 

I had seen a video of my sister singing this song, probably in preparation for the festival, and I cried for the next hour after my mom had sent it to me. It's so humbling and sweet and surreal to see how powerful it is. That my sister understands its meaning and she sings it knowing exactly what she is saying. It is an anthem. Absolutely beautiful. The kids need songs like that.

 

As they sang and concluded the night and it all unfolded, and more meaning was placed and layered as I watched, I hoped that my little sister looks and experiences everything; and feels and sees me in all of it.

As love.

for God.

for her.

for myself.

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I guess the same way my gran did for me. 

It's mad.

And it’s necessary.