(Durban Black
Drifters, led by Chris Ntuli on the left)
Closing date for registration:
April 30 (see below)
May 8 will mark the 14th High Schools Choir Competition to
be held at Playhouse Opera in Durban.
The popular isicathamiya group, Durban Black Drifters, are
the founders of this BASA-award winning youth-based high schools choir
competition which seeks to promote, preserve and develop this genre at
grassroots level. It is the only Isicathamiya group that teaches at schools which
it has done for the past 23 years and involved over 5,000 schools in Durban
Metro surrounding townships and rural areas.
In 2013, their 17 years sponsorship contract with Chevron
SA, brand owners of Caltex, came to an end. Now the future of this popular
schools music competition hangs in the balance as it urgently needs funding for
2016 onwards.
There are huge cash prizes, trophies and giveaways on offer.
Veteran Durban-based Isicathamiya groups NBA Champions and Xolo Home Boys, will
entertain during the event and other top luminaries invited include SABC Ukhozi
FM Thanda Ndlovu, Joseph Tshabalala of LMB, Dr. T Biyela of Department of
Education, Prof. Cosbie Mbhele & Themba ‘’Juba Special’’ Dlamini to name,
but a few.
Chris Ntuli and Durban Black Drifters have been in the music
industry for 30 years and have performed in France, Belgium, Norway, Canada,
USA, UK and toured China and Japan with late afro pop muso and homeboy, Jabu
Khanyile. In 2005, they appeared in a Broadway smash-hit musical Hurricane Katrina’ written by American
playwright, Emmitt Trower, created to raise funds to help New Orleans
communities affected by Hurricane Katrina floods in America.
Ntuli has worked and recorded with top musicians such as
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Madala Kunene, both late bassist Sipho Gumede and Busi
Mhlongo, and Aerto Moreira (Brazil)
“I would like to plead with the KZN Department of Arts &
Culture for support,” says Ntuli. “The project needs funding urgently as,
without it, there will be no future new and up-and-coming Isicathamiya groups.
It is a breeding ground and feeder to the Playhouse Company’s senior annual
national competition - if they can’t fund it, who will? This music genre is in
serious crisis, on the verge of extinction and demands urgent attention.”
Patrons wishing to attend are urged to wear formal, smart
casual or traditional. Weapons, bottles, drugs, liquor and students without
full school uniform are all not allowed. Only a few spaces left and schools are
reminded to register now as there are only 50 choirs needed.
While the closing date for registration is April 30, once
the required number is reached, it will be closed.
The 14th High Schools Choir Competition will be held from
10h00 in the Playhouse Opera. Entrance is free. The Competition is presented
with the compliments of Playhouse Company, Department of Education, Ukhozi FM
and Ithala Bank in association with DBD Entertainment. Organised and managed by
Durban Black Drifters.
For booking, SMS ‘’Yes’’ and school name to 073 301 6740 –
available 24/7.