The Mzansi Youth Choir has experienced countless memorable moments, and recently, they added a special achievement to their list: composing the second verse of Coldplay’s song We Pray in a local language and recording it with the band. The journey of the Mzansi Youth Choir can be compared to the edelweiss, a flower that symbolizes delicate beauty and resilience, blooming in some of the harshest conditions in high mountains.
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The Inspirational Birth of the Choir
The choir was established in 2003 after its founders experienced a hijacking. “In response, they aimed to provide talented young South Africans from diverse backgrounds with a platform to express themselves through music, rather than being influenced negatively by their communities,” says Dr. Jannie Zaaiman, one of the founders. Over the years, the choir has touched the lives of more than 600 young people through music.
Blending Cultural Heritage with Modern Influences
Zaaiman shares that the idea of blending African heritage with modern influences arose from a desire to celebrate traditional music while making it accessible and relevant to younger audiences. “By incorporating contemporary genres and arrangements, we aimed to create a sound that resonates across different cultures and generations.”
Highlighting Cultural Pride and Global Collaboration
The choir’s vision is to highlight cultural pride while promoting “local and global collaboration” and celebrating South African heritage intertwined with contemporary influences. Their music is rooted in three principles: traditional music, gospel, and modern anthems. “Our Roots, Our Spirit, and Our Youth shape our music, grounding our performances in tradition while infusing them with the energy and optimism of youth. These principles guide our song choices, arrangements, and the messages we convey, promoting unity, hope, and pride,” says Zaaiman.
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Memorable Moments with Coldplay
One of the most recent standout moments was when the choir was invited to perform alongside Coldplay in San Diego and Pasadena. They had the opportunity not only to perform but also to record new tracks with the band. Notably, in May 2024, Coldplay invited the choir to contribute to the recording of two songs, Jupiter and Aeterna.
“The night before Coldplay’s promotional TV appearance on QVS in October 2024, the band asked us to compose the second verse of We Pray in a local language. On their album, they allow artists to create their own version of the second verse. Our Music Director, Sidumo Nyamezele, arranged the piece that night and prepared the choir. Just hours later, we were in the studio, performing as if we had rehearsed it many times. By now, these choristers are very experienced; even if the power goes out during a performance, the choir continues to sing without missing a beat,” Zaaiman shares.
Humility and Camaraderie with Coldplay
When asked about the response from fans and listeners after participating in the project We Pray, Zaaiman stated: “Working with Coldplay is a humbling experience. They are currently number one on the Billboard charts in both the USA and UK, yet they remain incredibly grounded and humble. There are no egos, which aligns perfectly with our ethos. The respect and camaraderie among us were truly palpable.”
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The partnership with Coldplay has not only helped the Mzansi Youth Choir expand its influence but also created deep connections with global music culture. Coldplay, with the values they represent, has enabled the choir to elevate its status and bring South African music closer to international audiences.
Valuable Lessons from Working with Coldplay
Zaaiman shares that one of the most significant lessons from the project is the importance of collaboration and working with like-minded people. “We are all here to make a difference in someone else’s life. Music is a universal language that bridges gaps and brings people together. We don’t just perform music; we embody the music we create.”
Future Dreams with Coldplay
Looking ahead, the Mzansi Youth Choir aspires to expand its global reach, both regionally and internationally, by collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including Coldplay, and creating projects that address social issues. They presented their own production for the first time in October 2024 in Serengeti, Tanzania, which was a tremendous success.
The collaboration with Coldplay is not merely a musical project but an opportunity for the choir to reaffirm its mission of bringing messages of love, hope, and joy to the community. “We live in a broken world with many struggling and hurting people, and all we want to bring is connection through music,” Zaaiman shares.
The choir is ready for the next step, and they are eager to inspire youth worldwide while continuing to celebrate the richness of South African culture through their music. The partnership with Coldplay has opened many new doors for them, and in the future, they hope to undertake even more meaningful projects, sharing South African music with the world and building cultural bridges across nations.
