Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – Opuwo Youth Choir is proud of their achievements at the Africa Asia Pacific Choir Games (AAPCG) held from 27 September to 5 October 2025 in Mauritius.

Opuwo Youth Choir was among the world’s 53 choirs that participated in the AAPCG.

The choir comprised of youth from the Kunene region. ‘

It was voted as the best singers on their maiden performance at the competition. 

They scooped several awards in the competition, which included a gold medal in the Open Competition category and a silver medal in the Grand Prix of Nations category.

The choir also scooped a silver medal in the Youth Choir category.

Speaking to the VIBEZ on Thursday, Mbaseua Tjongarero, the founder and music director of the Opuwo Youth Choir, said he was happy with the performance of the choir. 

 “Our country’s flag was flying high in Mauritius, as we competed among the world’s best singers. We are so happy to come back home with medals. That is complemented by our high level of preparations,” he stated.

Even though there were no prizes other than medals for the winning choirs, Tjongarero said the youth learnt a lot from the event.

“We managed to engage with fellow youth from different parts of the world, which was a good experience. We learn about different cultures from different participants. We exchanged information with them,” he said.

Despite that, travelling around Mauritius was one of the best moments for the choir, as they performed in different towns of Mauritius. 

“This was a big achievement because we got exposed to the world’s biggest event. We are happy to represent our country at that stage. Most participating choirs showed interest in learning about our culture. We were very unique. We exchanged contact numbers. We were among the highlights of the competition,” Tjongarero proudly said.

He stated that the event was an opportunity for them to be known. 

Most participants wanted to continue engaging them.

 “We will soon get invites, as most people are still contacting us,” he said.

Asked about the challenges that the Opuwo Youth Choir experienced in Mauritius, the founder said there were no major challenges despite delays with accommodation.

 “We don’t have to complain but appreciate the opportunity afforded to us. We are thankful to the Almighty for everything, as well as all support from different organisations and institutions that helped us,” he said.

The group was welcomed back home by the country’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com