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Ugandan children's choir shares 'remarkable' tales

Luke Deal/BBC Members of the choir stand outside and are all smiling at the camera. With the exception of one man, they are all wearing navy hoodies with a colourful pattern down the middle. They are also wearing green lanyards. The outdoor setting they are in has grass on the floor and a fence behind them.Luke Deal/BBC
Destiny Africa has been performing at Holbrook Academy, near Ipswich, as part of a UK tour

A "remarkable" Ugandan children's choir hopes going on tour will raise awareness of issues affecting youngsters in their country.

Destiny Africa, a performing arts group connected to the Kampala Children's Centre, sang as part of a cultural exchange at Holbrook Academy, near Ipswich.

Frank Anstee-Parry, deputy head of the school, said the choir's performances brought "joy and hope" to pupils.

Choir member Elizabeth said singing in the group had "really changed my life".

The choir visited the school on Tuesday ahead of a second trip on Thursday.

"The joy and hope and inspiration they bring with their stories are so relatable," said Mr Anstee-Parry, who has helped organise the visits since 2009.

He added: "You absolutely resonate with everything they do... you see the narratives and stories of these children and it is utterly remarkable."

Luke Deal/BBC Herbert Mashami is standing outside on some grass and is smiling into the camera. He has short black hair and is wearing a green lanyard. He is wearing a black jacket and behind him are a group of children singing while standing in a circle.Luke Deal/BBC
Musical director Herbert Mashami is hoping to raise awareness of the youngsters being supported by Kampala Children's Centre

The choir's musical director, Herbert Mashami, said it had allowed its members to travel to areas they otherwise would not have.

"Music has brought healing because when you're sad and then sing about joy, there is hope," he explained.

"In a way [the] children were hopeless. [Some] were orphans, now [they are] dreaming of becoming doctors and lawyers."

The choir also hoped to raise awareness of the stories of children in Uganda who needed support.

Luke Deal/BBC Elizabeth has colourful braids in her hair and is smiling into the camera. She is wearing a navy hoodie and has a green lanyard around her neck. In the background are other members of the choir, talking.Luke Deal/BBC
Elizabeth said the choir had given her hope after a tough childhood

Elizabeth said being invited to join the choir as a young child changed her life.

"I used to stay with my mother and we didn't have anything, but I had a talent, I had a voice," she said.

"The choir really changed my life because [I have] been able to travel around the world, meet new people and do many amazing things."

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