Press & Media Kit
Resources for journalists and producers.
If you are covering our story, thank you. What follows is intended to make your job easier.
Press contact
For all press enquiries, please write to press@therealthandachoir.com. We aim to respond within one working day.
Our statement
The following is the statement released by the founding members on Monday 20 April 2026, in response to the Carte Blanche broadcast of 19 April 2026.
Thanda Choir Founding Members Take Back Full Ownership: Khayelitsha Vocalists Demand Their Rights
After years of being exploited and recently cast out of the very ensemble that they founded by outside managers, the founding members are now fully reclaiming their future.
We are no longer affiliated with Up Next Studios, Julio Teixeira, Luke Bernhardi, Asavela Mpayipheli or Zikhona Maphisa. All prior bookings and agreements with these individuals and agencies are now void.
We are calling for immediate ownership of all choir compositions and creative works, full and direct payment of all past and future royalties to the members, and the support of legal experts willing to help us secure our rights.
We embody the strength, vision and resilience of our community.
Quick facts
- The choir: Twenty-one founding members, based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town
- Founded: 2023, in Makhaza
- New organisation: The Real Thanda Choir — a new Non-Profit Organisation in formation, governed by the founding members
- Musical Director: Lisakhanya “Prince” Maqhajana, a founding member
- Interim Treasurer: Emihle Diniso, a founding member
- First performance under new name: Freedom Day livestream, Monday 27 April 2026, 12:00 SAST
- Website: therealthandachoir.com
Media assets
High-resolution photographs from our choir rehearsal, a wordmark in multiple formats, a downloadable one-pager, and approved member bios are being prepared. Until they are available on this page, please email press@therealthandachoir.com for any specific asset you need.
- Wordmark pack — SVG, PNG (coming soon)
- Official headshots — rehearsal photographs (coming soon)
- One-page fact sheet — PDF (coming soon)
- Approved founding member bios (coming soon)
Interview availability
Members of the choir are available for interviews, by arrangement. Please approach us at press@therealthandachoir.com with the outlet, format, timing, and intended focus of the piece.
Usage notes
When referring to us in print or broadcast, please use The Real Thanda Choir on first reference, and Thanda (italicised) when referring to the word itself. The preferred phrase for our origin is founded in 2023 in Makhaza, Khayelitsha.
Thank you for the care you are taking with our story.