Sinokubonga Nkala
Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
IN a delightful tale of dedication and joy, Trevor Mawaka, a passionate primary school teacher, is on a heart-warming mission to unlock the musical magic within young minds.
With an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love for creativity, Mawaka has successfully established a vibrant choir that serves as a joyful haven for primary school children to explore their vocal talents and blossom in confidence.
This enchanting choir allows children to express themselves through music, creating a harmonious atmosphere filled with laughter and song.
Following his remarkable achievement in nurturing an all-abilities children’s choir, which not only hit all the right notes but also showcased the transformative power of music education, Mawaka’s latest venture is nothing short of inspiring.
Mawaka’s uplifting story is of unwavering commitment to harnessing the musical potential of his young pupils.
It is a journey filled with selflessness, perseverance, and the delightful impact one devoted educator can have on the lives of children, reminding us all of the joy that music can bring.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Mawaka said he is setting up the Bulawayo Children’s Choir because he believes all children can sing.
“I have started a new children’s choir made of pupils from different schools in and around Bulawayo, aged between 7 and 15 and we are recording a new song and the video during this school and festive holiday,” he said.
Mawaka revealed that they were working with at least 20 children, and the group will be a recording and performing choir.
“I have worked with children all of my adult life and I am a music teacher at Charleston Trust Primary School so I have grown fond of them, they are the future so it’s better to train and mould them when they are young,” he said.
Harnessing his wealth of experience as a primary school music teacher, Mawaka said with the Bulawayo Children’s Choir, he wanted to show that children had huge potential like any other adult choir.
He said his extensive background in music education has not only honed his skills but also fuelled his passion for nurturing young talent.
“I have led Charleston School Choir to record five songs and videos and one of those songs was nominated for African Children of the Year Awards and also for the Bulawayo Arts Awards,” said Mawaka.
“Progressively this led me to try and have a choir that is not aligned to one specific and particular school.”
Mawaka highlighted that the Bulawayo Children’s Choir has adopted an inclusive approach to membership opening its doors to young voices from all corners of the city.
“The children join in their personal capacity and are not aligned to their schools since it’s an all-children’s choir,” he said.
Mawaka said that the choir’s musical talent is going to address societal issues that affect children especially in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large.
“We will look at environmental conservation issues, children’s rights, education and gender-based violence issues,” said Mawaka.
The choir leader further made a bold promise to nurture an exceptionally talented, entertaining, and energetic ensemble that is poised to elevate the city’s musical landscape through its artistry.
“The choir’s primary objective is to provide a platform for young musicians to hone their skills, showcase their talents, and contribute meaningfully to the city’s vibrant cultural scene,” said Mawaka.
By combining rigorous training, creative expression, and community engagement, the Bulawayo Children’s Choir aims to become a beacon of excellence in Bulawayo’s musical fraternity, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and enthusiasts.
Mawaka said through its performances, the choir seeks to promote a sense of pride, unity, and social cohesion among Bulawayo’s residents, while also celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity.
“We will be a standing choir that will perform at events on the city and in the country. We will continuously nurture talent,” he said.
As the choir prepares to take the stage, Mawaka remains confident that his young protégés will dazzle audiences with their impressive vocal range, infectious energy, and undeniable passion for music.
Online Reporter
