In Montreal on June 11
Submitted by Rose Wangechi
(additional reporting by Contact Staff)
On June 11, the Watoto Children’s Choir will be in the neighbourhood to present their new musical, Oh What love.
Comprised of children aged between 7 and 13, Watoto Children’s Choir is a group of African children choirs based in Kampala, Uganda, at Watoto Church (formerly Kampala Pentecostal Church or KPC). Each choir includes about twenty-two children from Uganda.
Watoto means “Children” in Swahili language. The Choir is unique in its mandate; it’s more than a choir, it’s a holistic care program, created in 1994 to respond to the overwhelming number of orphaned and vulnerable children (who have lost one or both parents to the AIDS epidemic or to war) and women in Uganda, Africa.
Since inception, Watoto Children’s Choirs have travelled as ambassadors of the millions of children in Africa who are in need of hope. The choir has toured Asia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Israel, The Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States with a team of Ugandan adults. Their performances are a blend of native African rhythms, contemporary gospel music and ethnic dance. They have released several albums including Mambo Sawa and Beautiful Africa. Audiences come from all walks of life, including the Queen of England, Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama, members of the UK, Australian, Canadian and Scottish parliaments, and the greater public.
The program is focussed on rescuing the children in Africa and raising them, so that in turn they can rebuild their nations.
The new production is packed with vibrant, urban sounds systematically set to take guests through an emotional journey from utter despair to a joyous celebration, as the children share their unique stories: each one of them has suffered the loss of one or both parents.
Their unique ministry also comprises Watoto Child Care Ministries, three babies’ homes, three primary schools, a high school and a vocational school.
As part of the Watoto family in Africa, they now live in Watoto village homes, where they are fortunate enough to be provided with everything they need to grow up healthy and whole.
Underscored with the colourful, urban sounds and rhythms of Africa, the children present their stories of victory and new life as they demonstrate the power of God’s love and humankind. Their presentation is also indicative of the emerging and modern Africa –a continent coming out of exploitation and ruin – and exploring its true identity.
The Choir will be hosted by Overcomers Assembly Church at the Montreal West United Church, 88 Ballantyne North, (corner of Curzon and Westminster) from 7PM to 9PM.
Tickets are FREE. Guests are encouraged to bring donations to support the Watoto family.
The presentation offers the Montreal West community an opportunity to experience great music and to support the orphans. For more information, please contact the organizers at admin@iamanovercomer.org or call 514-510.4215.
