Kings of Harmony Voices Prepare to Shake Soweto Theatre

By Jabu Kumalo

It is that time of the year again when the Kings of Harmony Voices will be rocking the stage, blowing the rafters and shaking the windows of the Soweto Theatre with their powerfully melodious voices.

The musical group, also fondly known as KHV, has an annual date, again, with lovers of their music on 21 November 2026.

The show starts at 4 pm.

The leader of the choir, Dumisani Manana, could not hide his excitement about their readiness for the concert.

He said: “Indeed, we are ready. It is that time of the year again when we interact with our audience from different walks of life. Our November concerts are important to us because we showcase what we’ve been doing throughout the year and to also have that spirit of collegiality amongst members and our beloved audience. We are ready for 21 November and looking forward to this great performance.”

The theme of this year’s show is Best of the Best.

“Rehearsals are always hectic, particularly when we want to bring something new. We’ve been working on our old songs to make sure we meet today’s norms and standards. We will also be introducing brand new exciting songs. I’m sure these hits will be loved by everyone,” said the amiable group leader.

Though they perform at many places, halls and functions, the harmonious choir seems to have an affinity with the iconic Soweto Theatre.

Manana remarked about their special association with the theatre: “Soweto Theatre is our home ground now. The quality of sound is great. There’s a very welcoming relationship between KHV Management and the Theatre itself. They seem to understand our type of music, and they give us good sound engineers. Acoustics are exactly what we always look for whenever we perform at that level. They understand the KHV culture. The theatre is also central. It is accommodating to people who come from different parts of Soweto, other towns and cities. It’s easy to locate. Our audience also likes the venue.”

He said there are currently 10 members who will be ascending the stage.

He said, however, that this number is likely to change and increase in January 2027.

Manana said: “All these members have a particular role to play. No one depends on someone else. We also have a supportive structure in the form of non-singing members.”

KHV was launched in December 1990. Over the years, the membership has changed because of deaths and some members resigning to pursue other ventures.

Manana said they are the pioneers of an exciting genre called accafusion, which was introduced in May 2018. It is a combination of their trademark a cappella and various other music genres.

The group’s history includes touring almost all the provinces of the Republic and other countries, particularly Eswatini, where they have performed several times. Their music has also taken them to Nigeria, where they were invited by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. While there, they toured states such as Lagos and Calabar.

Besides recording five albums, they have made live audio and visual recordings, an EP and three singles. They are proud of their ability to compose and write their own music.

Of the 10 members who will be entertaining the audience, only three are from the original group that launched in 1990.

“You seem to know and follow us well. Yes, the original KHV members who were there during the launch are three. Sadly, others have passed on, while some have relocated. Others are challenged by the type of work they are doing, which makes it impossible for them to attend regular rehearsals and performances,” he said.

The remaining three are Manana himself, Jimmy Ndimande and Themba Tshefu, “who remain the major glue that keeps everything together”.

He said they also have other seasoned members, such as Simon Moruakgomo, Sibusiso Langa and Saxola Mbeki: “These are members who have served KHV with distinction for over 15, 20 years and above.”

“We have also introduced new concepts like ‘improvising’ and ‘blending’, done diligently by Nathi Buthelezi and Kenny Tyulube, respectively. As you would see, we are gradually introducing young chaps with amazing talent to bridge the gap. Melusi Sebetlela is one example.”

He urged the audience to keep time, preferably being seated by 3:45 pm at the latest.

The very earliest birds will be rewarded with a KHV cap. Some will walk away with a book titled God’s Verdict, authored by Ndumiso Shezi ka Mpesheni, who is also KHV’s spokesperson and Media Officer.

“As a pastor, he also lifts the group spiritually. Ntate Shezi also sings tenor in the group.”

Manana is promising the audience that they will be entertained with different types of music like gospel, traditional and tradicall.

He said: “We will also give some accafussion taste. This is the type of music that fuses our original a cappella music with any other genre. Hence, some other songs will be accompanied by instruments.”

He gave the assurance that the audience would leave with a sense of spiritual fulfilment after their performance.

“The way the people will enter the theatre won’t be the same when they leave. The messages in those songs are so important and crucial. We send messages of hope, strength and peace all the time. We give value and dignity to the neediest of the needy and make sure everyone is appreciated.

“Everyone must feel that the burden is removed from their shoulders. They should be looking forward to positives. Hope and belief will accompany them, particularly because there’s a song specially and specifically dedicated to all the women who lost their lives. The song Lalani Ngenxeba is a special song that gives comfort to families who lost their loved ones.

“As a male group, we are saying there are still good men out there, and we are saying NO! to gender-based violence and femicide, and a big NO to the killing of women and children.”

He closed with the group’s mantra: “Let’s harmonise together. The planet is ours to explore.”