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Volume XX-Issue 1071 March 25, 2025
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The African Children’s Choir Set To Perform In Lloydminster
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Lorna Hamilton
That moment inspired the creation of the Kampala, Uganda, where they learn songs “Once a child joins the choir, their educafirst African Children’s Choir, which toured and dances, attend school, play, and grow tion is financed by our organization Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, in 1984.” together in a supportive environment. through college,” Sipp explained. “After April 16, the internationally acclaimed AfriSince then, the choir has evolved into a The choir’s performances are a lively touring, they attend our primary and can Children’s Choir will grace the stage global program promoting the dignity and mix of African and English songs, includ- secondary boarding schools, where they at the New Life Community Church with a unlimited ability of African children while ing traditional drum pieces and Afri- are mentored and cared for through all heart-stirring performance at 7 p.m. This raising awareness about the millions of can dances. They’ve toured prestigious levels of their education. They remain part choir, known for spreading messages of children facing hardship. Over the past 40 venues and major events around the of our larger family for a lifetime.” hope, joy, and resilience, has been captur- years, the choir has helped provide qual- world. “The choir has performed twice on For those inspired by the choir’s ing hearts around the world since its incep- ity education to more than 59,000 children, American Idol and recorded with artists mission, there are several ways to get tion in 1984. breaking the cycle of poverty in communi- like Josh Groban, Annie Lennox, and involved. “People can support us by To promote the upcoming performance, I ties across Africa. Michael W. Smith,” Sipp said. “They’ve contributing to the love offering collected had the privilege of doing an email interview “Our mission is to be a voice for the also performed at the British House of during concerts, purchasing hand-crafted with the choir’s manager, Tina Sipp, who millions of suffering children who cannot Commons, Royal Albert Hall, and Live 8 African products, or sponsoring a child on shared fascinating insights into the choir’s speak for themselves,” Sipp said. “We in London with Mariah Carey.” They even a monthly basis,” Sipp said. “Donations origins, mission, and impact. use the transformative power of music sang for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. can also be made through our website at “The African Children’s Choir began to promote their well-being and provide When asked how the children handle africanchildrenschoir.com.” when our founder, Ray Barnett, was doing access to quality education.” being far from home while on tour, Sipp Don’t miss this incredible opportunity humanitarian work with the Persecuted Children selected for the choir are gener- said homesickness is rarely an issue. to experience the African Children’s Choir Church,” Sipp explained. “While in Uganda ally between the ages of 8 and 11 and “The children don’t typically experience live. Their performance promises to be during a brutal civil war, he gave a ride to a come from economically disadvantaged homesickness because of the close-knit an unforgettable evening filled with song, young boy who had lost both of his parents. backgrounds. Before being chosen to tour, family environment we create on tour,” dance, and inspiration—a true testament Despite this devastating loss, the boy sang they attend Music for Life camps, which, she said. “Our team of volunteers loves to the strength and potential of Africa’s praise songs throughout the journey. Ray according to Sipp, are “fun and stimulating and cares for them, and many of our tour children. was deeply moved by his joy and resilience environments that give the children a break leaders are former choir members themBe sure to arrive early at the New Life and thought, ‘If the western world could from the daily hardships they face at home.” selves.” Community Church on April 15 to secure just see the beauty, dignity, and potential of Once selected, the children spend five The choir’s support for its members your seat. This is one show you won’t Africa’s children, they would want to help.’ months at the Choir Training Academy in extends well beyond their time on stage. want to miss! Reporter