Thabang Mokoena

Thabang Mokoena is a choir leader in South Africa. He comes from the township of Ratanda, a suburb of Heidelberg in Johannesburg. There, he directs several choirs, e.g. the Lesedi Show Choir. This choir has now existed for many years, although Thabang is only in his mid-twenties. The self-taught rehearses every evening for several hours with the choir. He receives no money and does more than many social workers, because the music brings the young people off the streets and gives them a purpose in life.

Thabang Mokoena already has visited Heidelberg many times and during his stays worked with the Africa choirs of Eva Buckman. At each visit he brings new songs he teaches the choirs. Through his charisma he succeeds again and again to motivate the choir and get the best out of them.

Pictures: M. Blaser