The world may not have known their name a month ago… but thanks toa recent Paris trip, Thanda Choir is now on everyone’s lips.
Paris, France (20 July 2025) – There’s a sound floating through the streets of Paris right now… and it’s not the hum of metro trains or the distant strains of an accordion in Montmartre. It’s something deeper. Soulful. Proudly South African. And it’s turning heads, lifting spirits and racking up millions of views online.
No, it’s not Ndlovu or Mzansi Youth Choir this time (though we’ll always celebrate their magic).
This is something fresh. Something powerful.
Say hello to the Thanda Choir, a vibrant, community-based group from Makhaza in Khayelitsha, whose voices have found their way from township streets to the world stage… and straight into the hearts of global audiences.
Who are the Thanda Choir?
Formed in 2023, the Thanda Choir is a group of vocalists who are also a family, a lifeline and a source of strength for all the young people involved. Based in the heart of Khayelitsha, the choir was created to give township youth a chance to discover their talent, escape the dangers of crime and build sustainable futures through music. Their mission is to uplift, empower, and inspire through every note, every harmony and every performance.
“We foster discipline, unity and humility,” their founding vision reads, “empowering our members to build sustainable careers in the creative industry and inspire global audiences with their soulful sound.”
And that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Thanda Takes on Paris
Recently, the choir received an invitation that would take their dreams to a global stage. They joined American jazz legend Melody Gardot as guest artists on her tour in Paris, a first-ever international trip for the group and a milestone moment for the young choir.
What followed has been magical.
Performing across venues in the French capital, the Thanda Choir brought their unmistakable energy, passion and authenticity to each space they filled. But it wasn’t just the live audiences that were moved. Videos of their performances started circulating online, and suddenly, the world was watching.
Millions of views poured in. Comment sections exploded with love. Strangers became fans. And fans joined their family.
“No DNA needed, just pure SA 👏👏”
“I’m not crying, you are 😭😭😭😭”
“I feel like this is what it’s going to sound like when I enter the gates of heaven.”
“Even in the next life, I’ll choose to be South African 🇿🇦”
“It’s so joyful and anointing. The sounds of angels 😇 It’s on repeat on my headphones”
When asked how it felt to watch their music ripple across continents, Luke Bernhardi, a representative for the Thanda Choir, explained to Good Things Guy.
“For us, it was absolutely amazing for people to appreciate our music. We often do private events and conferences where people don’t know who we are. Paris was one of the first times where people from all walks of life were visibly excited and moved by our music. For the choir, this was the highlight of the trip!”
He added that the spirit of South Africa and the support from around the globe had been nothing short of extraordinary.
“Our goal is not simply to be an organisation that inspires hope in the township of Khayelitsha—our goal is to rewrite the narrative of how townships are viewed and perceived. Our story isn’t special because of our background… it’s special because of our talent. We will rewrite the story one song at a time.”
But their Paris debut is only part of the story. Back home, Thanda Choir is doing the real work, week in and week out. They’re creating space for young people to feel seen and heard. They’re teaching discipline and leadership. They’re unlocking confidence, encouraging resilience and building a sense of belonging.
The music is powerful, yes. But so is the impact: young lives transformed, futures brightened, stories rewritten.
And now, the world is watching.
Sources: Interview with Thanda Choir
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 