Nearly £37,000 was raised during three weeks of the 2025 Project Zulu choir tour – setting a new fundraising record since the tour began in 2013.
In May, 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 perform their traditional Zulu song and dance in concert halls and schools, and busk in city centres.
The children stayed with host families throughout their visit, forging bonds and experiencing life in the UK first-hand. They visited six schools in Bristol (collectively raising over £10,000), took part in lessons, delivered workshops, and even made live appearances on local radio.
They filled venues in Bristol and across the South West and Wales with joy, rhythm and powerful performance.
One of the highlights was the Gala Concert at Bristol Beacon, singing together and sharing the stage with Britain’s Got Talent finalist Innocent Masuku. The choir were also invited to perform at a Bristol Bears match.
The money raised will directly benefit the two schools, with funds being used to harness solar energy and equip digital classrooms.. These developments will create long-term educational benefits for current and future learners.
Dr Ben Knight, director of Project Zulu at UWE Bristol, said: “For me, Project Zulu choir tours never get old. The 2025 tour was our sixth since 2013 and the children, their talent and enthusiasm, the power of their performances and their impact on Bristol always gives me goosebumps and makes me proud to lead Project Zulu. The fact that this year’s tour raised such a whopping amount just adds to my excitement.’