KZN’s The Kholwa Project Choir brings home 64 gold medals
Bev MacGregor and The Kholwa Project Choir won 64 gold medals for Kwazulu-Natal in The South Africa Performing Arts Championships. They have been accepted to represent SA in The World Performing Arts Championships in the USA in 2021.
An incredible 10 piece choir, consisting of nine isiZulu men and one woman – Bev MacGregor has brought home 64 gold medals in total.
The Kholwa Project is an eclectic mix of musical talent which shook up, brought hope and the spirit of unity to a nation which was about to buckle and almost break at the onset of Covid-19.
Composer for their music, Bev MacGregor of Waterfall, Durban is extremely proud of the award-winning nine-piece Isicathamiya Choir from Kwazulu-Natal called The Kholwa Brothers; Derrick Mlambo, Simphiwe Ngcobo, Mlungisi Sishi, Ngcebo Gumede, Philani Ngcobo, Nthandoyenkosi Xulu, Lindinkosi Xulu, Nhlakanipho Nzimande and Mthobisi Ndwandwe.
The choir won numerous awards as The Kholwa Brothers, even before they met her.
Bev explained that The Kholwa Project never imagined they would get to compete in The South African Performing Arts Championships at the Rustenburg Civic Centre in the North West Province, because Covid-19 lockdown firmly placed the brakes on their combined dreams.
“Dates to compete were indefinitely delayed and I personally began to lose hope that we would ever get to perform. But eventually did! And 64 gold medals later, we are basking in the glory, a celebration of their efforts,” said Bev.
Bev feels blessed and honoured that they have won so many medals and have therefore been chosen to represent their country. The talented composer, recording artist and musician, also entered the solo category, taking 10 medals home.
“Working and composing with the choir is my dream,” she said.
Bev explained that their genre of music was originally strictly classified as Isicathamiya, but as a composer for the choir, she has added her own flare and flavour, from the inspirations of the greats for example: Johnny Clegg, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mango Groove.
“My message to the artists who have given up on their dream is DON’T. I achieved this at 55-years-old. The choir too, has come a long way, with a lot of hard work and dedication.”
The support of their fans on social media has been overwhelming, and they can’t wait until flights are opened to the USA, where they will compete in The World Performing Arts Championships in 2021.
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