After a journey that placed them on global stages and in national conversations, the 16 founding members of the Thanda Choir have stepped into a new chapter, launching Lizwi Choir with a clear message… their voices now belong to them.
Khayelitsha, South Africa (04 May 2026) – On Freedom Day, a date woven into South Africa’s identity, 16 young singers stepped onto a new stage with a new voice. They call themselves “Lizwi“, meaning “voice” in isiXhosa, which is more than just a name… it is a statement of ownership.
The 16 founding voices of Thanda Choir, many of whom first met each other as children in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, performed their first concert as a self-managed ensemble in a live-streamed event from Cape Town. Titled “Let Freedom Reign”, the performance marked a new chapter for a group of South Africans who we have come to know and love over the past year.
Good Things Guy was one of the first platforms to spotlight the choir’s magic back in 2025, when their performances in Paris began circulating online and capturing hearts across the globe. What followed was a wave of support, millions of views and a growing recognition of something incredibly special. Their sound travelled far but their roots remained firmly planted in community, culture and connection. More recently, the story behind the choir reached national attention following an episode on Carte Blanche, which brought forward a number of allegations regarding management structures, payments and transparency.
@carteblanchetv101On social media, Thanda Choir is shown to be a global sensation. But back home, choir members allegedly struggle to survive. #CarteBlanche #SouthAfrica #News #fyp♬ original sound – Carte Blanche
Those claims have since been disputed by the Thanda Choir’s management, which stated that aspects of the story omitted key facts. It’s a complex situation and one that continues to unfold. But this story is about what comes next. And for the 16 founding members, that is Lizwi.
“We are Lizwi Choir. We are the voices you have come to hear. We are now representing ourselves, under a name we own.”
In an exclusive conversation with Good Things Guy, the choir explained that the 16 members leading this new chapter are the original founders of Thanda Choir, who came together long before outside structures entered the picture. Not all former members have joined them yet. Some are still deciding, others remain where they are but the choir is clear about one thing: there is no pressure.
“For the sixteen of us, as original founding members of the choir, this name means a lot. We are sixteen now, and we look forward to our friends joining us when the time is right.”
Rather than being defined by conflict, Lizwi has chosen to focus on building a transparent, singer-owned collective. A space where decisions are shared, leadership is elected and the value created by their voices is understood and accounted for.
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They are also pragmatic. While there are ongoing matters being handled behind the scenes, the choir made a conscious decision not to let legal battles define their next chapter.
“We are moving on, AND we are fighting in the background… but we are fighting smart. We need a new audience, or to reclaim the old audience, so we can get our fans behind our new chapter and success.”
That choice led to one of the most defining moments of their relaunch: letting go of a name that had become widely recognised and stepping into one they could fully own.
“Lizwi’ means ‘voice’ in isiXhosa. It is the most honest name we could choose because our voice is the one thing no one can take from us.”
@lizwichoir No DNA, just RSA🇿🇦#capetown#inspiring#choir#singing #southafrica ♬ original sound – lizwichoir
For years, the choir says that their voices told stories shaped by others. Now, the voice and the story sit together again, in the same hands. Freedom, for them, is no longer abstract.
“It means choosing where we sing and why. It means knowing where the money from our voices goes. It means being able to say yes or no for ourselves.”
And perhaps most importantly, it means standing together. Khayelitsha remains at the centre of everything. The harmonies that have travelled to stages in Cape Town, Paris and São Paulo were born in everyday spaces… homes, taxis, church halls and school journeys. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the ability to carry those roots forward on their own terms, telling their story in their own words. The structure they are building reflects that intention. Lizwi Choir is being established as a singer-owned collective, with plans to formalise as an NPC and pursue NPO and Section 18A status. Leadership will be elected, all the decisions will be shared and transparency will be foundational.
“We want to manage ourselves. We have a lot to learn but we know we can do it. We also know we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful to the mentors, donors, and supporters who have stepped forward to help us, while respecting what matters most: this choir is controlled by the choir members, and it always will be.”
“The way we work matters as much as the music.”
It’s a model they hope will inspire other young artists, as proof that it can be done. That collaboration and fairness can coexist. That creativity and ownership don’t have to sit on opposite sides of the table.
“We are not trying to be a movement or a model for everyone. We just want to do this well, sing beautifully, treat each other fairly and leave the door open for others.”
And through all of it, the music remains the heartbeat. When asked what they want people to feel when they hear Lizwi Choir for the first time, the answer came without hesitation.
“Hope. That is the honest answer.”
It’s a simple word. But when 16 voices rise together, shaped by everything they’ve been through and everything they are stepping into, it becomes something you can feel. Not distant or performative but shared.
“Music has carried us through the hardest parts of this journey. We know it has also carried many of our listeners through their own hard times. When sixteen voices sing together in harmony, something can settle in the heart. That is what we want people to feel. Not that they are watching us from far away, but that they are welcomed in. To everyone who has stood with us… shared a post, sent a message, came to a concert, or simply kept us in your thoughts, thank you. You are part of this sound.”
Thanda Choir still exists. And while Lizwi Choir might be the “new kid on the block”, they have a familiar sound with a new voice. And that voice is full of hope.
@lizwichoir Mama ndiyahamba-by the soil#lizwichoir ♬ original sound – lizwichoir
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