Drakensberg Boys Choir brings the Amaculo Drakie Sunshine Tour to Mpumalanga

Songs of Heritage, Hope and Harmony to resonate across Mpumalanga from 6 to 11 July 2026

17 June 2026

DRAKENSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA – Communities across Mpumalanga will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary talent, energy and musical excellence of one of South Africa’s most celebrated cultural institutions when the internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys Choir embarks on its Amaculo Drakie Sunshine Tour Mpumalanga from 6 to 11 July 2026.

Presented under the theme, “Songs of Heritage, Hope and Harmony”, the tour will bring the Choir’s unique blend of world-class choral music, African rhythms, contemporary works and inspirational storytelling to audiences in Middelburg, Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Komatipoort and Ermelo.

For almost six decades, the Drakensberg Boys Choir has captivated audiences across the globe, earning a reputation as one of South Africa’s foremost cultural ambassadors. From prestigious international stages to communities across the country, the Choir continues to showcase the transformative power of music while developing young leaders, musicians and global citizens.

The Amaculo Drakie Sunshine Tour reflects the Choir’s enduring commitment to building community connections through music and bringing people together through shared cultural experiences. In many parts of Mpumalanga, especially among siSwati-speaking communities, the word Amaculo is commonly associated with cultural singing, praise songs, and church hymns. If used in the context of a cultural event in Mpumalanga, the intended meaning is usually something along the lines of “Songs,” “Melodies,” “Voices,” or a celebration of musical and cultural heritage.

“The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is about far more than musical excellence alone,” says Hendrik Bekker, Executive Head of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. “Every day we seek to develop young men of character, resilience and purpose. Music provides a powerful vehicle for growth, leadership and service. This tour gives our boys the opportunity to share those values while inspiring communities across Mpumalanga. We believe music has the power to connect people, build hope and create meaningful impact wherever it is performed.”

Renowned for its exceptional musical versatility, the Choir will present a vibrant programme featuring Western Art music, contemporary choral and secular repertoire, popular music and indigenous South African works. Audiences can expect a dynamic performance that moves seamlessly between genres, cultures and traditions while celebrating South Africa’s rich musical heritage.

According to Jacques Linde, Head of Choral Activity and Conductor, the tour represents an opportunity to showcase not only the Choir’s musical excellence but also its role as a cultural ambassador for South Africa.

“Wherever the Drakensberg Boys Choir performs, we carry a uniquely South African story with us,” says Linde. “Our boys become ambassadors for our country through music, sharing a message of unity,

excellence and cultural understanding. The repertoire on this tour reflects who we are as South Africans while also celebrating the universal language of music that transcends boundaries and brings people together.”

A special highlight of the tour will be the Mbombela performance on 7 July at Laerskool Laeveld, where the Choir will collaborate with the Laerskool Laeveld Senior Choir, Nocoré Ensemble and acclaimed soprano Kirsten Blair. This unique performance promises an inspiring celebration of local and national musical talent.

The tour follows a period of significant activity for the Choir, including its acclaimed Music in the City 2026 concert series in Johannesburg from 17 to 20 June 2026, and forms part of the institution’s ongoing mission to share musical excellence with audiences throughout South Africa.

AMACULO DRAKIE SUNSHINE TOUR PROGRAMME

Monday, 6 July 2026
MIDDELBURG, 18:30
Solid Ground Church
2 End Street, Middelburg

Tuesday, 7 July 2026
MBOMBELA (NELSPRUIT), 18:30
Laerskool Laeveld
Corner of Alabama Street and Banquet Avenue

Guest performers:
• Laerskool Laeveld Senior Choir
• Nocoré Ensemble
• Kirsten Blair (Soprano)

Wednesday, 8 July 2026
MBOMBELA (NELSPRUIT), 18:30
Curro Nelspruit
The Rest Nature Estate, Johanna Drive, Sonheuwel

Friday, 10 July 2026
KOMATIPOORT, 18:30
NG Kerk Komatipoort
19 Erf Street

Saturday, 11 July 2026
ERMELO, 18:30
Hoërskool Ermelo
1 Joubert Street

TICKET INFORMATION

Adults: R180
Pensioners: R160
Children: R150

Bookings at www.dbchoir.com

AN INVITATION TO EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF SONG

In an increasingly fragmented world, the Amaculo Drakie Sunshine Tour offers a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite, inspire and uplift. Whether performing in major concert venues, schools, churches or community spaces, the Drakensberg Boys Choir remains committed to its enduring purpose: using music as a force for hope, connection and positive change. Music lovers, families, supporters of the arts and community members across Mpumalanga are invited to experience an unforgettable evening with one of South Africa’s most treasured musical institutions.

If you have or know of a talented boy who would like to add his voice to those already in the Drakies, please e-mail Helga at marketing@dbchoir.com for more information and to arrange an audition.

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EDITORS' NOTES

About the Drakensberg Boys Choir School

Situated in the heart of the Central Drakensberg, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is internationally recognised for its unique combination of academic excellence, character development and world-class musical training. Through music, the School develops young men who become leaders, ambassadors and agents of positive change in South Africa and beyond. Visit www.dbchoir.com for more information.

Media release issued by Stone on behalf of Drakensberg Boys Choir

To purchase tickets, visit the websites: http://www.dbchoir.com and www.joburgtheatre.com

For media enquiries, interview requests or in-studio or recorded media appearances, contact:

Kgotso Chauke of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School media team at Stone

Email: kgotso@stone.consulting / media@stone.consulting

Phone: +27 62 870 2294 / +27 11 447 0168

Willem S Eksteen of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School Board

Email: willem@dbchoir.team / media@stone.consulting

Phone: +27 83 272 6304 / +27 11 447 0168

Alternative media contact and further marketing information or enrolment of boys at the school:

Helga Cato, Marketing Coordinator of Drakensberg Boys Choir School

Email: hcato@dbchoir.com / Phone: +27 83 232 1229