Exuberant Ugandan children inspire Motuekans with song and dance

September 4th, 2010
Reviewed by David Armstrong

People passing through Motueka last night would have wondered what big event had captured the minds of the locals, given the line of parking on both sides of High Street for nearly a kilometer. And big event it was for the local churches, which combined to host the Watoto children's choir from Uganda for a powerful and exuberant performance and a soulful plea for help.

The group of 20 children, aged 8 to 13, plus the help of a handful of adults, performed with the assurance and vigour of many of the great professional African gospel groups. And the audience of over 400 of all ages loved it, packed as they were into every nook of the Church of Christ auditorium.

These children are all residents of the Watoto children's village, a Christian-based initiative that takes orphaned or abandoned children, many from parents who died of AIDS, and places them, eight to a home, into virtual for-life families in the village. Several of the children on stage spoke of their own individual background and journey and how Watoto has lifted them up and given them love, hope and a future.

The group are in the fifth month of their 6½-month tour, literally drumming (and singing and dancing) up support in the form of money or child sponsorship (in New Zealand through the TEAR Fund).

The 90-minute presentation involved lots of powerful and true harmonic singing, mainly of gospel songs; energetic and well choreographed African dancing that made us oldies feel so inhibited and stiff; and plenty of story telling (personally and on the audiovisual screens) about the situation in their home country where millions of children are victims of poverty, war and AIDS. And as for the drums - my ears were still singing hours afterwards.

One of the last songs was a heart-wrenching rendition of "Will you sing my lullaby?", in a modern folk song style, expressing through words and action the pain and hopelessness of an abandoned child. I'm sure there would have been many a throat lump during that item.

The following information was added the following day, provided by Church of Christ pastors Brent and Tracey Pickworth:

The total amount taken for the Watoto choir last night was $2300. Fantastic generosity. This goes straight to Watoto. Also a mention goes to Steve and Jeanette Edwards from Motukea Top 10 Holiday Park who provided 50% discount off accommodation for the Wototo leadership team. It was great to see so many in the community joining in supporting Tear Fund and the work of Watoto in Uganda.

The eight families who billeted members of the team found the experience very rewarding - scrambled eggs was a huge hit for breakfast but pancakes were a big flop, although Phil Donaldson did say they loved eating the lemons just by themselves. One comment Fletcher Pickworth (8) made to his dad was "they're so nice can we keep one" - referring to the children they were billeting.

The children's choir in action	.... this time with the help of the two adult singers
The audience stands to participate	Some of the choir after the concert

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