World Choir Games Tshwane 2018 - Program Book

Choral Music in South Africa
Choral Music Today
The South African population is heterogeneous and
can be divided into two broad groups, namely the black
African population and white South Africans that are of
European decent. Black South Africans fall into one of
four main ethnic groups, namely Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa,
Ndebele, Swazi); Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho,
Tswana), Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. The largest output
of choral music is from the Nguni and Sotho tribes, and
these groups portray traditional cultural consistency
amongst the people. Similarly, white South Africans fall
into two distinctive groups, namely English and Afrikaans.
As a result of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, it is
impossible to define choral singing as a single entity.
Choral music in South Africa today is largely a mixture of
European and American influence combined with African
elements. The influence of the Europeans and Americans
(amongst others) on South African music today can,
however, not be ignored.
South Africa is an opulently diverse nation with an
excess of musical styles that originate from the various
and numerous cultural groups. Composers today are
combining the unique essence of Western and African
harmonies, textures, rhythms and texts aiming to
address the on-going societal challenges. Music as a
tool for change, both political and social, is very much
at the forefront of choral compositions in South Africa.
The choral scene in South Africa is very active and it
is no surprise that six choirs from South Africa are
ranked in the top 40 choirs of the Interkultur Rankings.
More impressively, at the summit of these rankings is
a choir from…you guessed it, South Africa. Currently
the Stellenbosch University Choir, conducted by André
van der Merwe, is ranked as the best choir in the world.
It is no surprise that a choir from South Africa leads
the pack – after all, we are a singing nation. There are
numerous local and international choir competitions
performed throughout the country, with choirs spezialising
in all genres of music, including opera, classical, jazz,
traditional and contemporary. Going to a choir concert is
always an exciting affair as one can expect variety of all
sorts.
Conclusion
In South Africa, music is not merely a luxury, but a
pastime that is engrained in everyday life. A deep rooted
love for communal singing is a common denominator
amongst the majority of South Africans, regardless of their
cultural backgrounds. Traditional music is predominantly
characterized by choral styles and for centuries
composers in South Africa have attempted to establish a
choral traditional to help determine an identity that would
be unique to their specific culture. The various cultural
groups within the country contribute to the kaleidoscope
of sound that is uniquely South African. Choral music is
at the forefront of cultural importance, making it highly
significant and notable.
((Dr. Michael Barrett)
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