Singing Children of Africa Choir wow crowd with Paisley return

A chorus of beautiful voices filled Paisley Town Hall last night (Sunday 17 September) as the Singing Children of Africa Choir returned to the town for another sparkling performance.

The group of youngsters, aged nine to 16-years-old from the Jolaurabi School in Mombasa, Kenya, warmed the hearts of the hundreds in attendance with The Angels Tour 2017 show.

The show also featured Kirklandneuk Primary School pupils, who performed scenes from The Lion King, as well as special performances by the Renfrewshire Community Gospel Choir and dancers from the award-winning Street Stuff youth scheme.

Choir teacher Simon Sims was also on hand to entertain the audience with a solo performance on his return to Paisley before all performers joined together for a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland.

This year marked the tenth anniversary of Renfrewshire Council supporting the event and was part of the exciting calendar of activities taking place as part of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture in 2021.

MSP for Renfrewshire North & West Derek Mackay announced during a speech at the event that over £15,000 had been raised for Scottish charity Educate the Kids, including £5,000 funding from the Scottish Government.

The Singing Children of Africa Choir were set up by the charity, which raises funds towards the youngsters’ education and development by bringing the choir over for concerts around the country.

Renfrew volunteers Mike and Lynn Baldwin – who have been involved with the charity for over 10 years – have regularly organised the children’s visits to Renfrewshire, including their last tour in August 2016.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who welcomed the choir and audience on the evening, said: “I was delighted to welcome the Singing Children of Africa choir back to Renfrewshire and it was a special sight to see them perform in Paisley’s historic Town Hall.

“These amazingly talented youngsters really captured the hearts of those in attendance with their wonderful voices and inspirational stories. The tours organised by Educate the Kids helps to give the children the education they deserve and it’s great to see local people helping such a fantastic cause.”

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “Seeing the Singing Children of Africa choir and talented local groups from across Renfrewshire putting on a special performance in the beautiful surroundings of Paisley Town Hall was a wonderful experience.

“This concert is another example of the wide range of cultural activities taking place as part of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 – and with our annual music, comedy and drama festival ‘The Spree’ just weeks away it really is an exciting time for the area.”

Find out how you can sponsor a child at https://www.educatethekids.com/support-a-child/.