Ndlovu Youth Choir announces 2026 SA tour

Venecia Valentine

The Ndlovu Youth Choir has confirmed a South African tour for 2026. This marks the choir’s first major local run since reaching international fame as finalists on America’s Got Talent in 2019.

The tour opens in Cape Town and concludes in Johannesburg, bringing the choir’s globally celebrated sound back to local stages.

A homecoming tour across two cities

The tour opens at the Artscape Opera House from 5 to 8 February 2026. It then moves to Johannesburg, closing at the Teatro at Montecasino from 30 July to 2 August 2026.

Tickets for all performances are available on major ticketing platforms.

A celebration of South African sound

Founder and conductor Ralf Schmitt says the 2026 programme centres on South African music while keeping the choir’s distinctive global approach.

Audiences can expect a mix of gospel, ghoema and an amapiano medley, alongside music by some of the country’s most influential artists. These include Mango Groove, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg and Miriam Makeba.

The setlist features well-known songs such as African Dream and Pata Pata, alongside African-inspired global hits like Circle of Life and Waka Waka.

Global favourites remain

International pieces closely linked to the choir also form part of the programme. These include Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, reworked through the choir’s powerful choral arrangements and movement.

From Limpopo to the world

Founded in 2009 in Limpopo’s Moutse Valley, the Ndlovu Youth Choir began as a community upliftment project. It has since grown into one of South Africa’s strongest cultural exports.

The choir has performed at Germany’s Africa Festival, the AFAS Theatre in the Netherlands and Carnegie Hall. It has also performed for global figures including Trevor Noah, King Charles III and Bill Gates.

Tour dates and tickets

The 2026 tour runs:
• 5 to 8 February 2026 at Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
• 30 July to 2 August 2026 at Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg

Tickets are available via showtime.co.za and ticketmaster.co.za.