On Tuesday night, the African Children’s Choir performed in Zorn Arena as part of the Artists Series.
The choir opened with a scene of children jumping rope, playing games and chasing one another. Suddenly, children representing armed guards interrupted the scene.
Beverly Soll, activities and programs director, said she felt that people needed to see that scene.
“It’s totally the truth,” she said.
The choir also performed songs and dances from different countries and tribes in Africa throughout the concert. After the intermission, children introduced themselves to the audience and informed the crowd that when they grew up, they wanted to be actors, lawyers, teachers, pilots and music teachers, among other professions.
Prossy Nakiyemba, an adult performer in the show who was a member of the choir as a child, also talked about the future of the children of the program and how they will return to Africa as story makers.
“They are Africa’s future,” she said.
Soll said the Artists Series committee works together to decide who comes to campus to perform. When they heard from the choir’s agent about the African Children’s choir, they decided to try and book the group.
“It was lovely,” Soll said of the program, adding that the choir was great to work with. “It was a really neat history and sociology (lesson).”
Jennifer Brockpahler, arts and events coordinator said the children were all very polite, and the group was very self-sufficient.
“They really do run their own ship,” she said.
Senior Steph Thompson said she attended the concert for two reasons – for a class and due to the fact that she will be in South Africa next semester for an internship.
“I heard they (the choir) were awesome and amazing,” she said.
The choir benefited students because it gave them a new experience, Thompson said, and was something students do not encounter on a daily basis. She also said the choir had a great message and so much hope despite all they’ve been through.
“It was stunning to see kids perform at that level at that age,” she said.
Of all of the songs the choir performed, the can dance was the favorite performance of junior Katie Nolan. Nolan said she liked the traditional routines and energy of the children.
“I liked that they shared individual stories,” she said as she danced to a rhythm with her friends.
Nolan said she also liked to hear the stories of hope, especially due to the sad stories that generally come from Africa.
At the conclusion of the concert, the children said they ended this night with a prayer for the continent and informed the crowd they hoped to make Africa a better place.