African children’s choir set to raise the roof at Cricklewood church

The choir previously performed at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations (Image: Archant)

A world-famous African gospel choir of children who have lost parents to the AIDs epidemic and war are set to inspire audiences in Cricklewood with songs of “hope and love”.

More than twenty members of the Watoto choir, whose name means “The children” in Swahili will travel from Kampala, Uganda to perform at Cricklewood Baptist Church in Sneyd Road next Sunday as part of their world tour titled “Oh what love”.

Chas Bayfield, 48, a spokesman for the Church, invited anyone from Cricklewood and the surrounding community to join them in welcoming Watoto for the special concert on Sunday April 26 at 6.30pm.

He said: “Watoto is a bit of a global phenomenon so when we asked we thought they’d never be able to come- but if you don’t try you don’t get! We are hugely excited.

“These young people are inspirational, they come from terrible situations but they have hope and talent and Watoto offers them safety and an education.”

The children, aged from 8-14 will arrive with their teachers and guardians next week and will rely on the hospitality of church members during their exciting stay in London.

Over 130 people have already reserved tickets for Watoto’s uplifting and hotly anticipated performance but tickets still remain.

Chas advised “People should come along because nothing like this has ever happened before- we’ll have to get more chairs!”.

Tickets to the concert are free but donations, which go towards the Watoto charity, are welcome.

For more information contact Cricklewood Baptist Minister Stephen MacLean at info@cricklewoodbc.org.