Faith Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
THE Bulawayo Children’s Choir has started the year on a high note with the release of another single, Bulawayo — The Place We Call Home, which is a heartfelt anthem and a poignant tribute to the city.
The song celebrates the city’s stunning beauty, vibrant spirit and the special place it holds in their hearts and is an invitation to the world to visit Bulawayo and experience the many wonders that it offers.
The talented young choir made their musical debut in December last year with the thought-provoking single Banolila (Mother Nature is Crying), which powerfully addressed the pressing issue of climate change and its devastating impact on our planet.
To further amplify their message, the choir has also produced a compelling music video to accompany the single, which premiered on YouTube on 22 January 2025. This visual interpretation is set to expand the choir’s reach, sharing its powerful message with a global audience.
Trevor Mawaka, the choir’s music director and educator, proudly noted that their debut single, Banolila, recently reached the top spot on Skyz Metro FM’s Top 20 chart, a testament to the choir’s talents and the song’s impactful message.
In an interview on their latest offering, Mawaka highlighted that the song — Bulawayo —The Place We Call Home is a love letter to Bulawayo, a celebration of its beauty, resilience and spirit.
“It’s an invitation to experience the city’s charm, from the historic streets of Makokoba to the jacaranda full streets in Hillside,” he highlighted.
“The song talks about the happy memories we make in Bulawayo, the friends we have and the places we love to visit. We sing about the city’s rich history, its vibrant culture and its warm people,” he added.
Mawaka emphasised that through their music, they aspire to inspire and uplift their listeners, filling their hearts with love, hope and joy.
“We want our fans to know that they are seen, heard and cherished and that our music is a celebration of their unique value and worth. Our ultimate dream is to bridge cultural divides and unite people across the globe, fostering a sense of community and belonging,” Mawaka added.
He noted that the choir hopes this song will inspire listeners to develop a deeper appreciation of their own hometowns and local communities. They aspire to spark a sense of curiosity and wanderlust, perhaps even enticing people from other places to visit Bulawayo someday and experience first-hand the city’s unique charm that holds a special place in their hearts.
“For us, music is a powerful tool for spreading positivity, happiness and love. We hope that our songs will leave a lasting impression, resonating with our fans long after the music fades away,” he said.
The young choir comprises talented vocalists from Petra High School, Dominican Convent Primary School, Charleston Trust Primary School and Hillside Primary School.