Afrikariz

An African Meander Scar production AfrikaRiz (pronounced ‘Africa Rise’) is more than just a Youth

Choir coming out of Pimville Township in Soweto. In the light of being raised and living in a community that

lacks visible role models, an environment where young people are desperate for engaging & stimulating

resources, 21 year old Musician & Vocal Arranger, Mpendulo Sipho

Mhlanga, founded AfrikaRiz with a vision to establish a project that would develop young and responsible

Leaders, empowering them with Life-Skills through the use of the Performing Arts.Since its official founding

in 2016, the Ensemble has grown to become a compelling movement that

many young people in Soweto desire to be a part of.

AfrikaRiz is now a 30 Member group (ages: 17 to 25) that offers entertaining yet informative Performances

through Music, Dance, Drama & Poetry.

Their repertoire includes new musical arrangements of South African and African classics. Choreographed

Dances are an integral part of these performances, all dressed up in colourful and imaginative Costumes. All

this is pieced together through good story-telling that celebrates our

African & South African Heritage. Starting in Soweto where they live, AfrikaRiz have a strong desire to reach

audiences in other Cities & Provinces and eventually taking the South African story onto international stages.

In their short time of existence, AfrikaRiz have already had the privilege of being invited to perform on a

number of professional projects that included collaborations with established Artists such as Yvonne Chaka

Chaka, Loyiso Bala, Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground), Karen Zoid, Monde Msutwana, Papaya (from Denmark),

Mortimer Williams and many others. Some of the highlights were appearances at prestigious Events that

include: Lilizela Tourism Awards, Starlight Classics, KykNet’s FIESTAS Awards, Eyethu Music Project. Apart

from performing as a full Cast, AfrikaRiz can also provide different formats and sizes of the Choir for

specifically tailor-made projects and collaborations. Workshops Collective development with other Choirs is

an important aspect that this Group engages on. From time to time they host Workshops with other Artistic

groups, including international Choirs that visit South Africa.