Record Breaking Fundraising: The 2025 Choir Tour

Over three unforgettable weeks in May and June, the 2025 Project Zulu Choir Tour filled venues across the South West and Wales with joy, rhythm and powerful performances. 

Twenty talented young singers and five teachers from Sipheni Senior Primary School and Sithobelumthetho Primary School in Madadeni Township, South Africa, travelled to the UK to share traditional Zulu song and dance with new audiences. They filled every performance and every venue with their energy and joy. 

The response they received was overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of concert audiences, supporters and local partners, the tour raised over £34,000 - the highest-profit tour in Project Zulu’s history! This incredible achievement will directly benefit Sipheni and Sithobelumthetho schools, with funds being used to harness solar energy and equip digital classrooms with the technology and resources needed to support modern learning. These developments will create long-term educational benefits for current and future learners. 

Throughout the tour, the choir performed in Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and Pembrokeshire, with some standout moments that will stay with them and their audiences for years to come. One of the highlights was the Gala Concert at Bristol Beacon, hosted by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Innocent Masuku. Innocent also joined the choir on stage for a joint performance that filled the venue with joy and energy. The choir were also invited to perform at a Bristol Bears rugby match, and took part in a special community concert in St Davids, organised with the support of Celtic Camping and the St Davids Penknife Club. These performances not only showcased the choir’s incredible talent but also helped build meaningful connections with audiences across the UK. 

Away from the stage, the tour offered powerful moments of cultural exchange and connection. The children stayed with host families throughout their visit, forging bonds and experiencing life in the UK first-hand. They visited local schools, took part in lessons, delivered workshops, and even made live appearances on BBC Radio Bristol. Many of the choir members experienced things for the first time - from riding ferries and trying new foods, to their very first game of 10-pin bowling. Along the way, the children shared their culture, embraced new experiences, and built connections that will stay with them well beyond the tour - both in their classrooms and their communities back home. 
 

One host family shared: 
“We are glad we took part in Project Zulu. It was an amazing experience as the boys were so incredibly helpful and filled our house with laughter. We miss the sound of drumming and singing. The supermarket shop is just not the same without them dancing and singing in the middle of the shop or sailing down the aisle on the back of the trolly. Their helpfulness even rubbed off on my own boys.” 

A tour of this scale simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people. From the host families who welcomed the children into their homes, to the volunteers, schools, venues and organisations who offered their time and resources - we are deeply grateful. Your generosity, enthusiasm and care helped make this tour such a success and gave every choir member memories that will last a lifetime. 

Thank you to everyone who played a part in the 2025 Project Zulu Choir Tour. The impact of your support will continue to be felt in the classrooms of Madadeni and in the hearts of everyone involved.