The Drakies sing a big hello across South Africa on the 2025 National Tour
31 March 2025
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - The Drakensberg Boys Choir 2025 National Tour with the theme 'Hello South Africa' was nothing short of extraordinary – a musical journey that stretched across provinces, connected hearts, and reaffirmed why this institution remains one of South Africa's most beloved cultural treasures. Kicking off in Bloemfontein on 9 March, the tour unfolded with the energy and precision audiences have come to expect from the "Drakies," who once again proved that music truly is our ministry.
From the outset, each performance was a masterclass in discipline, vocal excellence, and joy. The first half of every concert paid tribute to choral tradition, with the boys delivering classical repertoire by master composers with grace beyond their years. But in the second half, audiences lit up – the Afro-pop rhythms and traditional African songs had crowds clapping, dancing, and often rising to their feet in a standing ovation. There was magic in how the boys bridged the sacred and the contemporary, the formal and the festive, speaking a musical language that resonated with all.
Apart from their formal performances, the choir also had the privilege of performing at two retirement homes, which undoubtedly brought immense joy to the elderly residents. During our journey from Still Bay to Stellenbosch, we briefly stopped in Hermanus to perform at the annual BizNews conference. The delegates thoroughly enjoyed the performance, which provided a welcome respite from the intense discussions on political economy and other financial matters. After two days of focused discussions, they were delighted and relieved to engage their creative side through the choir's music.
The boys left an indelible impression as they made their way through towns big and small – from the historic heart of Graaff-Reinet to the coastal beauty of Plettenberg Bay and Still Bay. Each venue became a space of connection, not just performance. Locals shared stories, offered prayers, and often stayed behind after shows just to say thank you. In Stellenbosch, the resonant acoustics of the Moederkerk provided a particularly moving backdrop, while in Pennington on the KZN South Coast, the closing performance at the Umdoni Retirement Village was marked by warmth and heartfelt emotion from an audience who sang along and reminisced aloud.
Cape Town, however, added an extra layer of excitement and purpose to the tour. The boys not only performed to packed houses at Rustenburg Girls' High and the Silvertown Auditorium but also had the chance to explore the city's iconic sights. A trip to the bustling V&A Waterfront and a Cape Town Red Sightseeing Bus ride offered a welcome breath of fun and discovery. A quick stop for delicious slap chips at Snoekies in Hout Bay was a real highlight. And everyone was thrilled to have a few minutes to cool off their toes in the chilly water at Camps Bay.
On Sunday, 16 March, the choir participated in the Convention Celebration Festival Concert at the Mzanzi Conductors Convention 2025 at the International Convention Centre – a unique, invitation-only event that underscored their growing stature in national and international choral circles.
In just ten days, the boys embarked on an incredible journey, covering a staggering 3,000 kilometres by bus and an additional 1,500 kilometres by air. They slept in a total of seven different beds and performed on nine different stages, yet they managed to captivate audiences with their performances every single time. What an incredible group of performers they are!
However, perhaps the most tremendous success of the tour was not found in ticket sales or social media praise (though there was plenty of both). It was in the boys' transformation – young musicians becoming ambassadors of hope, unity, and excellence. As DBCS believes, Touring is an education of its own: building resilience, nurturing character, and developing a deep love for country and community.
As the final note of the final concert faded, it was clear: this was more than just a tour. It was a ministry in motion – a journey of shared humanity, seen through the eyes and heard through the voices of South Africa's brightest young talents.
FIN
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