The Mzansi Youth Choir have long had a connection to the late singer Nightbirde, who reminded the world that “you can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy”. In a full-circle moment for the choir, they recently joined Nightbirde’s Legacy Album to create meaningful music:
Global (04 March 2025) — The Mzansi Youth Choir recently had a special experience. Following a longstanding connection to late singer Nightbirde (Jane Kristen Marczewski), the choir were invited to join Nightbirde’s Legacy Album.
Nightbirde and the Mizansi Youth Choir
Nightbirde quickly became a force of inspiration for many after she hopped on the world’s radar.
In 2021, she performed her original song, ’It’s OK’, which led her to earning Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
Not only a talented singer, the way in which Nightbirde showcased fierce optimism and determination to pursue her dreams in the face of her terminal cancer moved the world and, with it, the Mzansi Youth Choir.
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy,” she once mused.
In a bid to pay tribute to the singer, the Mzansi Youth Choir recorded their own version of ‘It’s OK’ that same year. It reached Nightbirde, who shared a heartfelt response with the choir via social media.
The choir was later selected to compete in the 18th season of America’s Got Talent, where they performed ‘It’s OK’ once again—this time on the same stage where their hero had left her mark. This, followed her passing in 2022.
Their performance made history by earning them the show’s first-ever Audience Golden Buzzer, solidifying an emotional connection between the choir, Nightbirde’s family, and her devoted fans.
During the Finals of that AGT season, Nightbirde’s siblings even flew to LA to support the choir.
Nightbirde’s Legacy Album
In early 2024, Nightbirde’s best friend and manager, Amber Stoneman, got in touch to see if the choir would want to be part of Nightbirde’s Legacy Album. The answer was an obvious yes.
The Mzansi Youth Choir and Sidumo Nyamezele (the choir’s Music Director) created a beautiful arrangement for Jane’s song ‘Still Got Dreams’—a heartfelt tribute.
“This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of music, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to let hardships define them,” says Choir Manager Dr J J Zaaiman.
“Through this album, Nightbirde’s message of hope will continue to uplift audiences across the world, and Mzansi Youth Choir is humbled to be a part of this journey.”
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