Alexandra Youth Choir - South African Choral

In search of a better life, immigrants from other African countries are flowing to Alexandra. They do not easily find jobs, and even surviving is hard. Housing conditions vary greatly; there are small brick buildings, but also shacks made of all possible materials. Sanitation and sewage systems are inadequate, and the power system does not guarantee electricity for all. Authorities are trying to improve the situation, and new public facilities are being built for the community. The vast majority of the white population has never visited a township. Today, tourists are offered guided bus tours in Soweto, but Alexandra is still outside tourism. Townships are regarded as extremely hazardous places, and for a reason. Crime statistics make a rough piece of reading. I personally had a few loyal local guides all the time by my side. They were able to enlighten me with many facts, among other things about sangomas. Near a square where women were selling fruit and vegetables, with live chickens waiting for buyers, there was an advert for a sangoma. He is an educated spiritualist or diviner who has a contact with the strong spirits of ancestors. It is quite common to ask a sangoma for help in your troubles.Music has always played an important role in Alexandra. Even in the 50s, when notorious gangs ruled the Dark City, there was a lot of music. The gangsters loved social life with parties and beautiful women. Of course, musicians were needed for these parties. The best-known of the musicians of that time was Zakes Nkosi, who played Marabi Jazz on his saxophone. Also Hugh Masekela, a famous Jazz trumpetist, has his origins in Alexandra. Kwela music, which is played with Pennywhistles, was born in the streets of Alexandra in the 1940s. Tin whistles could also be used as alarms to warn of the approaching police! Today, as well as in those days, you can see people manifesting their religion in their dress too. The good tidings of the Christian faith also emerge in some of the songs of Alexandra Youth Choral Choir. Their religion is mixed with African tradition, and they have their own joyful and dancing way of propagating their Holy Gospel.