Hamba kahle, uBaba Madiba.
Rest in peace.
You have taught us well.
1918 - 2013
When I started my band in South Africa in 1993, I knew I'd be using music to break down the racial barriers that had been imposed by the Apartheid regime.
Then I met Nonhlanhla Wanda, and we formed a 500-voice choir to help spread Mandela's message. We traveled the country aboard The Peace Train, and I've kept that name for the band ever since.
I'm now thrilled that the Film Preview of When Voices Meet is ready.
It shows the conditions under Apartheid, tells a little about how we formed the choir and got The Peace Train on the tracks, and introduces you to some of the cast.
While we're still fundraising to complete the full length film, you can learn more and Watch the Trailer at WhenVoicesMeet.com
Please share the exciting news with everyone you know and invite us to your community to show the film, do a concert, and inspire hope.
At Mandela's 75th Birthday Party On tour with The Peace Train choir
With Ladysmith Black Mambazo With KwaZulu Musicians
Our Humanitarian Projects - Our work continues in the USA and South Africa. We're working in association with universities, public school districts and arts organizations to enrich the lives of students all across America. In South Africa, the school and community arts center we built has now added vegetable gardens to improve the health of the children and vocational training to help young adults find meaningful employment. We're also continuing to support the education and well-being of HIV positive orphans as well as training and job creation for young adults.
"As a South African musician growing up during the terrible days of apartheid, I always found that music had a way of bringing people together, regardless of race, culture or beliefs. As a teenager, I used to sneak out to the African townships to play music with my friends there, and when Nelson Mandela was released from prison, I performed at all his rallies, singing about unity and a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa.
In 1993, I formed a 500-voice, multiracial and multicultural performing group to show what a "normal" country could be. We toured throughout South Africa by train - The Peace Train - and used our music to promote our country's first democratic elections.
Since then, we've been performing worldwide, releasing albums, and conducting workshops in schools, colleges and communities to promote multi-cultural experiences and end violence. Performances can be as a solo, duo, 3-6 piece band, or the band with dancers.
So come on board The Peace Train. We're really looking forward to seeing and hearing from you!"
~Sharon