African Children’s Choir to perform April 24 in Kennewick
Eva Nalukwago’s first plane trip took her to America.
A little girl from Uganda, she traveled to the U.S. as part of the African Children’s Choir.
She saw new places, experienced new things.
Being in the choir changed her life.
Twenty years later, she’s still part of the group — in a different role.
She’s leading 18 young choir members on a U.S. tour, largely of western states. It stops in Kennewick at 7 p.m. on April 24.
“It’s a very energetic show,” Nalukwago said. “By the time you are at the end of the concert, you are inspired by the smiling faces, the energy, the dancing, the beautiful harmonies.”
The group includes seven girls and 11 boys, ages 7 to 10.
They’ll perform a mix of music, from African songs to traditional spirituals and gospel.
Kennewick First Presbyterian Church is playing host to the choir, which has performed in the Tri-Cities several times.
The first few times, the choir took the stage at the church, but demand grew so much that the show is in the auditorium at Kennewick High, 500 S. Dayton St.
“The performance is amazing. The children exude joy,” said Mary Lynn Merriman, concert coordinator.
Admission is free, although donations will be accepted to support the choir and its education, care, relief and development efforts.
It’s a very energetic show. By the time you are at the end of the concert, you are inspired by the smiling faces, the energy, the dancing, the beautiful harmonies.
Eva Nalukwago
directorThe choir’s parent organization, called Music for Life, works in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. It’s helped educate more than 52,000 children and touched the lives of thousands more people through its programs.
Nalukwago is among them. After touring the U.S. as a young choir performer, she returned home and continued her education with help from Music for Life, eventually earning a college degree.
As an adult, she’s acted as a chaperone on choir trips to the states. This tour is her first as tour leader.
Watching the children delight in their new surroundings, their adventures — it’s a lot of fun, she said.
People who show up for the Kennewick show won’t be disappointed, she said.
“Please come,” Nalukwago said. “You will never be the same again.”
Sara Schilling: 509-582-1529, @SaraTCHerald
IF YOU GO
What: Performance by the acclaimed African Children’s Choir.
When: 7 p.m. April 24.
Where: Art Fuller Auditorium at Kennewick High School, 500 S. Dayton St.
Cost: Free, although donations will be taken for the choir.
This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 4:30 PM with the headline "African Children’s Choir to perform April 24 in Kennewick."