The Drakensberg Boys Choir will perform eight Christmas concerts across South Africa from November 20 to 29. The 2026 Noël Tour, called The Light Has Come, will visit Bethlehem, Pretoria, Johannesburg and the Western Cape.
The programme mixes traditional carols, African rhythms and modern festive songs. According to IOL, it is inspired by the birth of Christ and explores hope, peace and joy.
“We want audiences to experience the full emotion of Christmas,” said Jacques Linde, the choir’s conductor and head of choral activity at the school.
“There are moments in the first half when the music is so beautiful and still that you can almost feel the room holding its breath. The second half brings the wonderful energy the Drakies are known for, with African rhythms, familiar carols and music that makes you want to celebrate,” Linde said.
Linde said the programme has something for people of different ages and tells a story through music.
The first half is called The Mystery of Light. It looks at the wonder of Christ’s birth through sacred choral works and traditional carols. Songs include Once in Royal David’s City and O Magnum Mysterium by Jacobus Gallus.
The second half is called Light Becomes Celebration and has more energy. It features the Gloria from Paul Basler’s Missa Kenya, along with An African Christmas and Merrie Krismis. The concert will end with Silent Night.
Audiences will also hear well-known festive songs. These include Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas, Jingle Bells and Little Drummer Boy. Traditional carols on the list include O Holy Night, The First Noël and Joy to the World.
The choir will sing its annual Christmas concert at The Venue at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Sunday, November 22, at 6pm. The concert is part of the festive season programme at Melrose Arch.
“Their music brings a special atmosphere to the precinct, creating moments of joy and togetherness for families and visitors,” said Natalie Stewart, managing director of Melrose Arch.
That concert has room for only 350 people. Tickets cost R350 per person, and this price includes children under 12. They are sold through Melrose Arch and Computicket.
The choir has already performed at Music in the Mountains and Music in the City this year. It also toured Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School was started in 1967. It combines school education with intensive music training, physical development and social enrichment in a Christian environment.
“For many families, Christmas is a time to reconnect, reflect and celebrate what matters most,” said the school’s executive head, Hendrik Bekker.
Tickets for the other Noël Tour concerts can be booked through the Drakensberg Boys Choir School website.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Entertainment. Image: IOL Entertainment. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.