Forget the headlines about people leaving – the incredible Ndlovu Youth Choir has dropped a viral video of themselves singing a song cheekily titled “Refugee”, and it’s got South Africa smiling!

Limpopo, South Africa (16 May 2025) – So, if you’re up to date with the latest news, you’ll likely have read or heard about the 49 Afrikaners who left South Africa to be refugees in America this week.

This story isn’t about that. It’s about a few of the many amazing reasons to appreciate our country, the music, its people and the beauty of our diversity. Oh, and our sense of humour, too!

In an entertaining and now trending video, the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s Artistic Director Ralf Schmitt, alongside two singers, is seen having a time as they happily sing a song, hilariously titled Refugee.

The song’s fun and witty lyrics, sung by Ralf, tease at him being a refugee while declaring that he will not be leaving South Africa. In his own words, he sings:

“Mina, angiyindawo (Me, I’m not going anywhere)

“I’m a refugee from around here, from around here

“Ngimgumbaleki, ngingowa la, ngingowa la (I’m a refugee, I’m from here, I’m from here).”

His backup singers join him with much enthusiasm as their harmonious voices blend together beautifully, expressing their love for South Africa and having absolutely no intentions of leaving.

The video has garnered over 360K views and over a thousand comments from entertained South Africans expressing their love for the Ndlovu Youth Choir and our nation’s ability to find the brighter side to just about anything.

Sure, South Africa may have its fair share of socio-economic and political issues (which country doesn’t?). But, there is just so much colour and vibrancy that weaves itself through all the “bad”. We were even made the top 3 global list, you can read all about that here.

Ultimately, our country is a beautiful place and despite all the chaos happening all around us, we’re grateful for heartwarming reminders, such as Ndlovu Youth Choir’s playful song that being here truly is a vibe worth appreciating!

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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By infusing the timeless classic of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” with the spirit of Africa and a blend of isiZulu lyrics, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has created a truly magical and unforgettable performance.

South Africa (03 October 2024) – Whether gospel-inspired or upbeat, the Ndlovu Youth Choir is renowned for creating music that really makes you stop and listen, making it difficult not to marvel at their melodic voices singing in perfect harmony together.

Pushing the boundaries of their artistry, the choir recently reimagined an Italian opera masterpiece of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma as a dream-like African fantasy, blending timeless elegance with the vocal cappella traditions of South Africa.

Performed in isiZulu, this re-imagination of a timeless classic blends the spirit of Africa with the grandeur of opera.

It is so magical, Good Things Guy just had to get in touch with the choir’s Artistic Director Ralf Schmitt who shared that the choir was keen to try something radically different.

“I decided to take on the opera classic Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini from the opera Turandot. Pavarotti made this aria famous, and I thought it would be a cool challenge to try and add our own unique interpretation to this masterpiece.”

Schmitt admits that the Nessun Dorma project was challenging as it was important to remain incredibly respectful to the original composer and to the traditions of the indigenous South African genre that they always aim to infuse into their arrangements.

The choir is currently in the Netherlands where they will be performing seven performances at the AFAS Theatre following an impressive run of six performances at the local Montecasino Teatro.

“Rearranging the song was complex but a fun challenge nonetheless. I arranged the music, and three of the choristers translated the text.

“The song has been a tremendous success at our live performances, receiving a rousing standing ovation 100% of the time. We can’t wait to take it to Carnegie Hall at the end of the month,” Schmitt shares excitedly.

You can watch the goosebump-inducing rendition below.

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir is set to enchant the world with their harmonious magic on the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall.

Limpopo, South Africa (20 August 2024) – The phenomenally talented Ndlovu Youth Choir is taking the musical magic from Moutse in Limpopo to one of the world’s most iconic stages.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir rose to international fame primarily through their powerful performance on America’s Got Talent in 2019.

Their unique blend of traditional South African music with contemporary pop, combined with their infectious energy and captivating stage presence, has continued to capture the hearts of millions worldwide.

Commenting on the exciting opportunity to showcase the Ndlovu magic at Carnegie Hall, Ralf Schmitt of the Ndlovu Choir told the Good Things Guy that the group has always aspired to showcase their talent beyond Africa’s borders.

“The primary goal of the choir is to showcase the potential of South Africans, particularly young South Africans from rural areas. We come from a rural part of Limpopo where there is high youth unemployment yet there is so much talent.

“Every single member comes from a relatively small geographical area, most of them in the village surrounding the theatre where we rehearse.”

Ralf shared that to be invited to the Carnegie Hall to showcase their skills, is a dream come true.

A celebration of 30 years of democracy will be held at the iconic hall and Ndlovu Youth Choir was selected as one of the artists to showcase South Africa’s talent.

This may not be the choir’s first show in America, but to perform at the Carnegie Hall, which has hosted many of the world’s greatest performers, is an honour for the rising stars.

“It is truly one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious stages. We’re very excited about it. Preparations for performances like this are huge. Everybody is working and rehearsing really hard. It is going to be an absolute extravaganza when we get to New York,” Ralf added.

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir recently graced the screens of the NASDAQ tower in New York and South Africa couldn’t be prouder!

New York City, United States of America (26 June 2024)—Yesterday, the Ndlovu Youth Choir was featured on the NASDAQ billboard, a moment that brought the whole choir immense pride.

The NASDAQ billboard, often called the “NASDAQ Market Site Tower,” is an impressive digital canvas that spans 929 square meters and stands 36.6 meters tall (10,000 square feet and 120 feet tall). That is a whole lot of space to fill with Proudly South African vibes and the choir pulled it off!

“We are on the Nasdaq board in New York as we join Shared Interest in celebrating their 30th birthday. Together with Mama Felicia Mabuza-Suttle they do incredible work promoting South Africa in the United States. Happy birthday”

The Ndlovu Choir was established in January 2009 to afford talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults (14-24 years) the opportunity to perform locally and abroad. The choir consists of 30 choristers from the beautiful Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo, South Africa.

The Ndlovu choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir has always brought us incredible joy with their covers and renditions of famous songs. We love seeing them show up in great places.

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir, inspired by Beyonce’s new country album, has released a cover of Dolly Parton’s iconic Jolene.

South Africa (04 April 2024) – The Ndlovu Youth Choir has always brought us incredible joy with their covers and renditions of famous songs. The latest adds some South African flare to an iconic country song, Jolene by Dolly Parton.

The shift to country-inspired music follows on the heels of Beyonce’s release of an entirely country-themed album. The new release has introduced country music to a new generation of music lovers and is a huge hit internationally.

Inspired by the genre, South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir added their voices to the mix.

The Ndlovu Choir was established in January 2009 to afford talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults (14-24 years) the opportunity to perform locally and abroad. The choir consists of 30 choristers from the beautiful Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo, South Africa.

The Ndlovu choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir – Embedded Above

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir has released a new song called “Celebrate” and it’s all about celebrating who you are, each other, life and every moment.

South Africa (27 October 2023) – If you were looking for the perfect song for a celebration, the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s latest release is all about celebrating things. Most of all, the song celebrates Africa and all the people who call the continent home.

This song is a celebration of life, of oneself, of each other, of the beauty of our land and so much more. They released the song on the 26th of October 2023 and already, fans are loving it.

“We are so excited to share our latest music video with you all. The song is titled ‘Celebrate’. It’s an original song written by us and celebrates the beauty, resilience and diversity of our beautiful continent, Africa.”

Messages have been pouring in with many saying they love the new song and music video. The choir members have been hailed the “Superstars of Africa”.

The costumes and art within this music video are amazing and highlight the beautiful parts of Africa too. They choir members got to wear a few new outfits, adding to their already incredible and brightly coloured wardrobes.

Take a look at the new

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The World Cup Rugby kicks off tonight and while we only get to see our guys in green and gold on Sunday, we are so excited! The Ndlovu Youth Choir released their version of World in Union today to get behind the Boks!

South Africa (08 September 2023) – The Ndlovu Youth Choir is gearing up to get behind the Springboks just like the rest of South Africa and to do so, they have released their cover of ‘World in Union’ by PJ Powers.

In 1995, PJ Powers performed the song live at the opening of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Cape Town for a worldwide television audience. It was the year we won, the year we will never forget!

In 2019, the Drakensberg Boys Choir added their voice to the song, in anticipation for the World Cup which South Africa went on to win!

Seeing the song performed once again sends chills throughout our bodies. We are so excited to watch this World Cup and have so much faith that the Springboks will do us proud!

The world-famous choir took to their social pages yesterday, sharing that they planned to release their cover today.

“Tomorrow, we will be releasing our own version of the Rugby World Cup anthem, ‘World in Union’. This special rendition of the anthem was first performed at Ellis Park with the players of the 1995, 2007 and 2019 World Cup Winning squads. We are right behind Captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks boys. Bring it home!”

It is safe to say that ‘World in Union’ is our rugby anthem. It is synonymous with victory, national pride and unity.

“Today the world is in union as we celebrate the start of the #RWC2023. We are behind the Springboks in their quest to defend their crown and bring the trophy home – where it belongs!” – Ndlovu Youth Choir

Take a look at their video below:

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Ndlovu Youth Choir got the opportunity to work with Sir Elton John recently, when they performed at an event for his AIDS Foundation.

South Africa (24 February 2023) – The Ndlovu Youth Choir took to the stage at an event for Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. They shared the exciting news with fans on social media and called it an honour to have met and performed for the star.

Sir Elton John launched his AIDS Foundation in 1992 and it is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. He vowed to make up for all the lost time from all the years before, when HIV/AIDS was stigmatised, hidden and shunned.

“I vowed to make up for lost time in the fight against AIDS. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and deeply committed to do more.” – Sir Elton John

The Ndlovu Choir was established in January 2009 to afford talented, underprivileged teenagers and young adults (14-24 years) the opportunity to perform locally and abroad proficiently. The choir consists of 30 choristers from the beautiful Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo, South Africa.

The Ndlovu choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

Since appearing on America’s Got Talent for the second time, the choir has been the talk of Hollywood. While they didn’t make it to the next stage of the competition, the choir has earned praise from the likes of Stevie Nicks and now, invited to perform for Elton John’s friends, colleagues and esteemed guests.

We won’t be surprised if the choir gets to rub shoulders with even more iconic musicians. Stay tuned!

Sources: Ndlovu Youth Choir

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Rock legend and songwriter Stevie Nicks paid the ultimate compliment to South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir after seeing their audition on America’s Got Talent this week.

United States of America (25 January 2023) – Stevie Nicks, a member of Fleetwood Mac and a sensational singer in her own right, has jokingly asked the Ndlovu Youth Choir, if she can join up. The stellar compliment came after the iconic musician saw the choir auditioning for the America’s Got Talent All-Stars show.

To say we are fans of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac is an understatement, we are superfans!!! Her note to our proudly South African Ndlovu Youth Choir congratulating them on their audition is everything!

Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and the band went on to become one of the best-selling music acts of all time. She is famous for contributing to songs like “The Chain”, “Dreams” and “Landslide” while with the band and her solo fame includes songs “Edge of Seventeen”, “Bella Donna” and “Talk to Me”.

Among some of her accolades, she has been named one of the 100 Best Songwriters of All Time. She is also an eight-time award nominee for awards like the Grammy’s and the American Music Awards. She won a Grammy for Best Album of the year in 1978 for Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.

And now, she tops the list as one of our favourite artists all over again! She took to Twitter to share a note with the Ndlovu Youth Choir, saying their performance on AGT would one day help the world rise again. She ended the message saying “You Are The World!”

.@ChoirAfrica pic.twitter.com/UCXHCzUEgu

— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) January 24, 2023

If you missed the audition, you can find it here along with all the details as to how the choir got invited back for a second time.

Naturally, the choir responded to her message in the best way!

Sources: Stevie Nicks Twitter

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The day has arrived for the world to see the Ndlovu Youth Choir on AGT and they did such an amazing job singing an original “We Will Rise”.

United States of America (24 January 2023) – Get ready to shed a few tears of joy, pride and heartwarming excitement! The Ndlovu Youth Choir gave an outstanding audition at America’s Got Talent (AGT) All-Stars competition and seeing their progress means everything!

Firstly, the choir shares how the first show has changed so many of their lives. They travelled to America to audition for AGT in 2019 and breezed through all the rounds while filling South Africa and the world with pride! Their first audition went viral and had many South Africans in tears; everyone was bubbling with pride.

That audition and their time at AGT catapulted the youth choir to international heights. The fame and opportunity have united the choir and their community has benefitted greatly. Many of the choir members now support their families. They have upgraded their homes so they can have access to electricity and water, children are going to school and the poverty level is shifting.

Being invited back to AGT this year has been a dream come true, twice! They have been included in the All-Stars Show, which will highlight 60 acts from around the world.

“We’re living our dream and are thankful for every opportunity to showcase our talents. Our dream is to inspire and showcase the boundless potential of young South Africans. We Will Rise! AGT, we loved being back and are honoured to officially be an All-Star”

We promised that as soon as their audition video was live, we would share it and here it is! What we love most is that as the choir takes the stage, Simon Cowell, a big supporter of their dreams, breaks into a HUGE smile. The judges may have also thrown around “best choir ever” statements before they even started!

For the audition, the choir sang their original “We Will Rise” which is such a homegrown feel-good, that the world deserves to hear. Oh and don’t forget to grab a tissue because you will cry!

Sources: AGT – YouTube

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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