The award-winning Godfrey Zunguza is a man possessed with the intoxicating melodies of harmony of choral music. Early in June this year his school choir from Mpumalanga, DM Motsaosele Secondary School came second overall at the ABC Motsepe National Schools Eisteddfod. Zunguza says his love for choral music began a long way ago when he was inspired by the joy of a group of people singing together. “The harmony of voices blending, and the way choral music brings people closer as a family fascinates me.”
He says the music “makes me feel proud and gives me energy to share music with others.” It began at Siphendulwe Primary School, this love affair with music, he says with pride,a smile on his boyish face. “I still remember one of the earliest conductors in my life, Mrs Thuli Mathunjwa.” Zunguza: “The pure love of music is enough to keep me motivated, because singing and sharing music brings joy and unity in the society. Winning accolades is nice, but it is not the main reason. The real inspiration comes from the passion for the music itself.”
Earlier in his life he sang in the church choir at the Salvation Army. “I have been involved with three schools so far, working with learners in both music and academic programs. Each school gave me a chance to share choral music and education, and the opportunity to inspire learners through singing and learning. “Choral music at school level is weakened by lack of support, funding, and loss of interest from learners and teachers. Competitions and funding have become limited, and many schools focus more on academics than in music.”
Yes, the culture of choral music at school level can be revived with strong support from teachers, parents, and communities. With effort and passion, schools can bring back choir programs, and inspire learners to sing together again. “A nation without choral music loses unity, culture, and identity. Choirs make people feel proud and connected, so without them, the nation’s voice becomes weaker. Communities miss out on the joy of harmony, the discipline of teamwork, and the pride of shared tradition”
After matric the fire of music in the kids need not die.”Choristers may join community or church choirs, study music at university, or use the skills they learned for their future careers. Some may keep singing for love of it, while others may become leaders or teachers.” Yes, I intend to be involved in a community choral society after my retirement from my teaching duties. That will keep the love of music alive in me and enable me to share my music skills with others, and build unity through singing.
NB:Zunguza is going to write for EdunewsToday beginning this month,August. He is,of course, going to write about The melody of Choral Music.’
