Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburg International Foundation, known as the 'President's Award' in South Africa, is one of the world's leading youth charities and provides young people with a chance to develop skills for work and life that will aid them to fulfill a brighter future through encouraging personal discovery, self-reliance, commitment, responsibility and service to the community. There are three separate attainment levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Vusumzi Tsham, Ikamva Vocal Ensemble's Conductor and Group Master says, the invitation for these 16 singers to perform at such a prestigious occasion is not only a dream coming true for Ikamva Vocal Ensemble members, but it's an answer from God".
Ikamva Vocal Ensemble was noticed by Tsham who is a composer, conductor and singer, when they took part in the Old Mutual National Choir Festival and Western Cape Choral Music Association (WeCCMA) Eisteddfod in 2012. The group scooped the three top positions for their performances.
Richard Loring, who is producing the entertainment for some of the foundation's events, was impressed by the ensemble when he judged them at the talent competition, the 'Wow Factor' at Richard's Supper Stage in Sea Point.
"What is so extraordinary, is that, although the choir members are unemployed, they have uplifted themselves through their powerful vocals and their talent to sing. This aligns with the foundation's ideals of encouraging the youth to reach for betterment of their circumstances through their talents. I thus felt they were role models and ideal for entertaining the visiting Royals at this special occasion".
Having himself performed in a choir from a young age, Loring says that Cape Town and South Africa is rich in natural talent. "I am passionate about nurturing talent. There are not enough platforms or support to help these gifted young people to get ahead, which is why we created the 'Wow Factor'. Even though this group were not placed in that competition, there initiative to enter has led to their success. The Ikamva Vocal Ensemble has great potential to make it in the music industry. We hope this is a start of a great journey for them".
Says Tsham, "We are confident that this performance will enhance our opportunities and we cannot give enough thanks to Loring for his support. We will be known beyond choral boundaries and hope that this opportunity to perform for Royalty will lead to our one day being invited to England to perform for the queen.
