Drakensberg Boys Choir announces 2026 Zimbabwe Heritage Tour: "Hope. Heritage. Harmony"

JOHANNESBURG AND HARARE, 03 MARCH 2026 – This March, Zimbabwean audiences will experience an unforgettable celebration of sound, spirit and southern African identity as the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) brings its Zimbabwe Heritage Tour to Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and Harare from 28 March to 1 April 2026. Four electrifying performances will blend soaring classical masterworks, deeply moving contemporary pieces and rhythm-infused indigenous repertoire into a concert experience that is both powerful and profoundly uplifting.

"Touring within southern Africa is incredibly meaningful to us," says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of DBCS. "Zimbabwe and South Africa share deep choral traditions rooted in community, storytelling and rhythm. This tour celebrates shared heritage while inspiring hope through youthful voices.

Hope. Heritage. Harmony

"The theme Hope. Heritage. Harmony. speaks to who we are as a choir," says Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity. "Hope reflects the optimism embodied in our boys and in our African future. Heritage acknowledges the traditions that shape our South African identity. Harmony represents not only musical alignment, but unity, collaboration and shared purpose."

The repertoire for this tour has been carefully curated to reflect the versatility for which the Drakensberg Boys Choir is internationally recognised. From classical masterworks, to contemporary repertoire, and a vibrant indigenous South African programme, forming the heart of the concert and integrating rhythm, language, movement and choral discipline into a uniquely southern African artistic statement. Together, these elements present a choir that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to the present moment.

Under Linde's direction – himself an alumnus of the Choir – the 2026 season focuses on cultivating a healthy, unified and artistically sincere sound, ensuring that the next generation continues to uphold the Choir's international standing.

2026 Zimbabwe Heritage Tour schedule

With their signature precision, vibrant choreography and unmistakable stage presence, the Drakensberg Boys Choir promises an evening that stirs the heart and ignites the soul – a rare opportunity to witness choral excellence of the highest calibre live on Zimbabwean stages. Early booking is strongly encouraged for what is expected to be one of the region's standout cultural events of the season.

  • VICTORIA FALLS, Saturday, 28 March, 18:30
    Victoria Falls Primary School Hall, Victoria Falls
    Bookings: +263 213 284 2022
  • BULAWAYO, Monday, 30 March, 18:30
    Robert Sibson Hall, Zimbabwe Academy of Music, Hillside Road, Bulawayo
    Bookings: +263 292 260 684
  • HARARE, Wednesday, 1 April, 14:30 & 19:00
    Odeon Hall, Hellenic Academy, Alexandra Park, Harare
    Bookings: The Spotlight (www.spotlight.co.zw) ​
    Reps Theatre Foyer, Belgravia Shopping Centre
    +263 789 196 044 or +263 779 604 873

Tickets are available through the booking channels listed for each city.

Strengthening regional cultural exchange

Zimbabwe and South Africa share deep musical traditions – particularly within choral music, where community, rhythm and storytelling are central. The indigenous South African repertoire performed on this tour celebrates these shared cultural connections while honouring the diversity of languages and expressions across South Africa. "When we perform in Zimbabwe, we feel an immediate cultural connection," Linde adds. "We look forward to strengthening those musical ties."

The tour is facilitated by Celebrity Subscription Concerts, which has played a key role in bringing the Choir to Zimbabwean stages: "The Drakensberg Boys Choir represents the highest standard of southern African choral artistry. Zimbabwean audiences value musical excellence, and this tour offers a powerful programme that celebrates shared regional heritage while presenting world-class performance. We are delighted to welcome them."

More than a music school

Founded in 1967, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School prepares boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sport and social enrichment in a Christian environment. The school remains the only institution on the African continent where choral singing forms part of the daily curriculum, enabling sustained musical training and artistic growth.

For decades, the Choir has performed on prestigious stages around the world, earning a reputation for versatility, precision and vibrant stage presence. The integration of Western classical discipline and indigenous South African musical heritage has become a defining hallmark of the ensemble.

"Each year, the Choir is renewed by new voices and personalities. While the faces change, the pursuit remains constant: disciplined artistry, musical integrity and meaningful cultural expression," says Bekker. "We seek not only to perform, but to connect, reminding audiences that harmony begins with listening, collaboration and respect. Through hope, we build the future. Music is our ministry, and it remains one of the most powerful bridges across borders," Bekker concludes.

For more information about the 2026 Zimbabwe Heritage Tour, visit www.dbchoir.com.

The Zimbabwe Heritage Tour is made possible through the valued support of the Choir's six anchor partners: South African Tourism, Kempston Park Auto, the Ken MacKenzie Foundation, MultiChoice, N3TC and Stone. Their investment in youth and the arts continues to strengthen cultural collaboration across Southern Africa.

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Willem S Eksteen

Willem S Eksteen

DBCS Board Director, Stone on behalf of Drakensberg Boys Choir School

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Keisha Stuart

Keisha Stuart

Media Consultant, Drakensberg Boys Choir

Willem S Eksteen

Willem S Eksteen

Stone Chief Executive, Stone & DB Choir

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About Drakensberg Boys Choir Newsroom

Music is the ministry of the Drakensberg Boys Choir. The world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir is a true South African national asset. The Drakensberg Boys Choir is a premium music brand with a rich history since 1967. Drakensberg Boys Choir School is a values-driven middle school that produces young men of exemplary character. Our mission is to prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sports, and social enrichment in a Christian environment. Drakensberg Boys Choir School builds character, moulds and develops boys to harness the gift of music to bring hope, impact, and positive change in South Africa and beyond. DBCS offers a unique, complete, and diverse schooling experience that will forever change every Drakie boy's life by being part of this centre of excellence. DBCS builds resilience, grows relationships, and fosters global ambassadors with music as the tool for God’s glory.

 

For media enquiries, interview requests or in-studio or recorded media appearances, contact:
Willem S Eksteen
Drakensberg Boys Choir School Board
Email: media@dbchoir.team / willem@dbchoir.team
Phone: +27 11 447 0168 / +27 83 272 6304

Alternative media contact for further media information:
Amanda Cunningham
Drakensberg Boys Choir School Parent Association
Email: amanda@dbchoir.team
Phone: +27 83 255 6546 

Enquire about enrolling a boy at DBCS:
Helga Cato
Drakensberg Boys Choir School
Email: hcato@dbchoir.com  
Phone: +27 36 468 1012 / +27 83 232 1229

Book the choir for performance:
Elanza Joubert
Drakensberg Boys Choir School
Email: admin@dbchoir.com
Phone: (036) 468 1012

Contribute to the DBCS bursary fund:
Lizel Potgieter, Bursar
Drakensberg Boys Choir School
Email: accountant@dbchoir.com
Phone: +27 36 468 1012

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