Quava Vocal Group presented its latest concert, Bokamoso: A Future Sound, at Fontainebleau Community Church on July 31.

The concert marked the first performance under the direction of new conductor, and Fountainebleau resident, Sikhulule Mlokoti, who has led the choir for the past seven months.

Reflecting on the concert, Mlokoti said the theme grew out of a vision he shared with the choir’s leadership. He explained that his own musical background shaped the direction the choir took.

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“It seems inevitable that a choir adapts to reflect the sound its conductor believes in, and I have always been drawn to the Nordic/European choral sound, its richness, warmth, and the depth of beauty it carries.”

Rather than framing the concert as a complete reinvention of the choir, Mlokoti described the process as one of growth. “I would not describe it as a rebirth so much as a stretching exercise, encouraging the choir to explore and challenge themselves with a sound they may not previously have prioritised.”

For Mlokoti, the idea of a future sound was rooted in respect for the music itself. “I still hold that we are musicians first and singers second. I often say that a musician must have respect for the work itself. The sound a piece calls for is dictated by its language of origin, its culture, and the idioms embedded within it.”

As it was his first concert with Quava, Mlokoti could not compare it to previous performances. He did, however, reflect on how far the choir had come since he took over. “We have focused considerably on establishing the fundamental building blocks required for the sound that best suits the majority of our repertoire. It has been encouraging to see how intentional the choristers have become about the sound they produce.”

When asked what had been most rewarding about preparing the concert, he pointed to the choristers themselves. “Watching the more challenging pieces come together, and seeing the choristers genuinely enjoy and embody the music, has been especially rewarding.

“The process, however, has not been without its difficulties, but that is to be expected. Change is never easy.”

He credited the choir’s long-standing commitment to excellence with helping it balance its history with new creative demands. “Excellence. The choir has a proven track record of upholding this pillar.”

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Among the pieces performed, Mlokoti singled out one as capturing the essence of the concert’s theme: Limu Limu Lima by Sofia Söderberg, which he said best represented the spirit of Bokamoso. The choir spent around three months preparing for the concert. “It has been filled with intensive and intentional practice to sing the music well, but to also convey our message well.”

Beyond the technical work of conducting, Mlokoti spoke of a deeper sense of purpose behind his role. Carrying the responsibility of bringing to life both the music and the message the composer intended is what conducting means to him, he said. He hopes the choir will become known for more than musical skill alone, but as individuals who strive to be a vehicle through which God touches and heals people.

Mlokoti said he hoped audiences would leave the concert with a sense of hope, adding that the performance was ultimately for the benefit of the wider community, rather than the choir alone. “Music is not simply about the choir; it is about the entire community. A performance is never complete without someone to receive it. That is who Quava is.”

When asked to sum up the theme of the concert in a single word, Mlokoti did not hesitate. “Hope.”

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