The award-winning Mzansi Youth Choir has done it again – SA’s beloved choir recently won the first ever Interkultur “Virtual Choir Games”.

Their newest accolade has given the group hope, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, says the choir’s founder and director, Jannie Zaaiman.

“The families and friends of the choristers in Soweto are super excited,”  Zaaiman told TshisaLIVE.

“You know we’re going through a very tough time, so this win is like a star that has come up for all of us.

“You can hear from their voices that this is absolutely astounding.”

The choir won in the category “choirs with accompaniment”, with their video submission of “a million dreams” by Benj Pasek.

The event would have taken place in Belgium but had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

Entrant videos were broadcast on the Interkultur TV platform from July 5-15, with 128 videos received from 44 countries.

There were two categories, “choirs A cappella” and “choirs with accompaniment”.

The choir’s musical director, Sidumo Nyamezele, says the submissions were judged on creativity, quality and production.

Zaaiman admits virtual rehearsals have their challenges, but says it is important for the choir to adapt as virtual performances will likely become the new normal.

“The world will be very different and Interkultur has already indicated the virtual competition will not be the last.”

The choir has several projects lined up until the end of 2020.

These include a performance with the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, releasing three new videos with some of SA’s biggest stars and a virtual conductor development programme.

“We do not want to lose any momentum and also, for self-esteem, it’s super important for us to keep on working, engaging and asking for ideas,” Zaaiman said.