Nonprofit multiracial choir Vukani Mawethu raise their voices in a 25th anniversary celebration concert benefitting AIDS projects. These "lusty angels who belt out activist messages" (Oakland Magazine) express their love of the rhythms and melodies grown out of centuries of struggles for emancipation in a repertoire including Southern African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, and civil rights anthems.

James Madhlope Phillips, the late African National Congress union and cultural organizer, formed Vukani Mawethu which has performed at countless fundraisers and before hundreds of thousands of people, including at Nelson Mandela's 1990 World Tour celebration at Oakland Coliseum.

When apartheid ended, "we thought people might stop asking us to sing," says executive director Pat Jameson-Amwele, "but they never have." Instead, the 25-voice choir has continued to perform adding to their repertoire of Zulu, Xhosa, and Sotho songs, such as those featured on their 20th Anniversary double CD, Ukuthula.

Members of Palm Wine Boys and UpSurge join the celebration for several songs in this late afternoon event.

Visit Vukani Mawethu Choir's website

Listen to a track from Vukani Mawethu Choir: