God is Love choir shines at Mapungubwe choral build-up

“I know the road ahead to the finals will be tough, but we are determined to take home the crown.” These were the words of Doctor Khorommbi, leader of the Thohoyandou God is Love Choir, immediately after winning the Mapungubwe Choral Competition Build-up event.

The event was held at the University of Venda’s auditorium on Saturday. Choirs competed in the school and community choir categories. The school category was won by the choir from EPP Mhinga High, while the Thohoyandou God is Love Choir was named the best in the community choir category. The winners received R10,000 in prize money.

The regional final was organised by the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Mr Vincent Netshivhodza, deputy director of the VDM’s Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, said the aim of the competition was to stimulate and revive choral music in schools and communities.

The top choirs from each region will advance to the provincial finals, which will be held at Tivumbeni on 29 September. “We hope the competition will inspire others and that we will see wider participation next year,” said Netshivhodza.

Mr Doctor Khorommbi of the Thohoyandou God is Love Choir said winning the competition was heartwarming. “This is a morale booster and a source of inspiration. We are fired up and will work very hard to bring back the honours to Vhembe,” he said.

Formed 31 years ago, the choir has become one of the best and oldest clap and tap choirs in the country. The group was established by three friends - Doctor Love Khorommbi, Edward Shandukani, and Colbert Tshililo - at Mphego village outside Thohoyandou in 1993.

Date:22 September 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.

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