Ke Nako! Festival of Voices: When 410 hearts beat as one

12 September 2025

On 23 September, 410 learners from 19 Curro schools will come together at Riversands I-Hub, Fourways, for the first-ever Ke Nako! Festival of Voices. The event coincides with Heritage Month and celebrates South African culture through music, giving learners a chance to share their stories on stage.

 

 

A vision realised

The festival was first imagined by Belinda Gibson, Executive Head at Curro Riverside. ‘I am driven every day by the needs of our communities,’ said Belinda. ‘I sing because I believe that together, we have a collective voice and responsibility to influence and improve the lives of the children we are blessed to work with every day.’

 

Beyond traditional choirs

Unlike conventional competitions, the festival focuses on authentic storytelling through song. Maud Langa, Executive Head of Meridian Cosmo City, explained: ‘Singing for me is an expression of deep, rich and diverse cultural and emotional connections!’ Fergus Sampson, Business Operations Manager for the collective schools, described it as ‘poetry of the heart’. For Dr Fannie Sebolela of Curro Soshanguve, the power lies in expression: ‘Singing is a way to express personal emotions, sadness and joyfulness.’ Tamarah Shaikh, Executive Head of Curro Sandown, added: ‘Singing feels like one of the most direct ways to express what words alone can't carry. It's emotional release, connection, and storytelling all wrapped in sound.’

 

A cultural tapestry

The programme will span traditional and contemporary works, from indigenous songs to modern compositions. Pieces will honour the Drakensberg Mountains, reflect on the battles of KwaZulu-Natal, and include tributes to Ubuntu and themes of resilience, hope, and transformation. Songs of struggle, love, and ambition will be interwoven, highlighting how learners interpret heritage for today.

 

A powerful finale

The evening will close with all 410 voices joining in a collective anthem. This final performance embodies unity, resilience, and cultural pride, echoing the spirit of Heritage Month. ‘Ke Nako! It is indeed time – time to listen, time to celebrate, and time to recognise that our greatest strength lies not in our uniformity, but in the beautiful harmony we create from our magnificent diversity,’ concluded Belinda.