South African isicathamiya group, the Kholwa Brothers have raised the flag as they won second place at the World Choir Games in South Korea.
Taking place Gangneung City, South Korea, the choir music competition started on Monday the 3rd of July 2023. That is where the Durban-based group sang four songs and competed in the folklore acappella category, to which they came in second to Indonesian group, the Karangturi Choir.
Derrick Mlambo who is the Kholwa Brothers group leader, revealed that winning the silver medal in a global choir competition meant a lot for the group.
Mlambo reiterated that even though they were competing with the best of the best from other countries, they had to make sure to bring the uniqueness of South Africa, through the isicathamiya genre. “The silver medal means a lot when you had to compete with the best from other countries. We had to bring SA’s uniqueness through isicathamiya music and people enjoyed our performances,” – he added.
Additionally to competing in the World Choir Games, the Kholwa Brothers were also chosen to perform at the Friendship Concerts which were also hosted at the Gangneung city hall, which featured four other countries. They shared the stage with groups from South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Mlambo said he is delighted that by being part of the world competition is a big thing for them. This will take their profile as a group to another level and promote isicathamiya as a traditional music genre.
“Since we participated last year, the group is now known and the international doors are opening. We have always wanted this since we started singing isicathamiya. Finally, it is our time to shine as Kholwa Brothers”. – Mlambo added.
Main Image: IOL