Bulawayo Children’s Choir Marks One Year With Strong Growth and Notable Collaborations

The Bulawayo Children’s Choir has completed its first year with clear progress, strong performances and growing recognition in Zimbabwe’s music scene. The choir, founded in December 2024 by music teacher Trevor Mawaka, has shown consistent commitment to developing young talent while building a respected name in the industry.

The group has released seven singles that show its range and clarity of purpose. The debut single Banolila, also known as Mother Nature is Crying, gained heavy airplay on local radio and pushed the choir into the spotlight. The track highlights the impact of climate change and calls for action from communities facing environmental pressure.

Other well received releases include Bulawayo – The Place We Call Home, which pays tribute to the City of Kings, and Igama Lakho, a reflective song about names and identity. The choir has also expanded its presence through partnerships with major artists. These include Asaph Afrika, Meet Luminous, Mzoe 7, Thandy Dhlana and Novuyo Seagirl.

Mawaka created the choir to give gifted children a structured platform for growth. His previous success with the Charleston Trust Primary School Choir motivated him to widen the concept and bring together children from many schools across Bulawayo. The ensemble now includes members from Dominican Convent, Hillside Primary, WASC Group of Schools, Greenfield, Charleston Trust and Ngwalongwalo Primary. Recruitment will continue as the choir prepares for expansion.

Mawaka said the first year has confirmed the importance of giving young people access to opportunities that allow them to build confidence and sharpen their skills. He noted the value of working with children, describing the process as demanding but rewarding. Their curiosity and willingness to learn keep the program moving forward.

The choir will perform on Sunday December 7 at the Amnesty International Run 4 Rights event with Mzoe 7 and Vuyo Brown. This invitation shows the growing recognition the group has earned in its first year. The Bulawayo Children’s Choir enters its second year with momentum, wider visibility and a steady commitment to supporting young musicians across the city.