African Children's Choir to perform Sunday in Jefferson City

When the first African Children's Choir went on a North American tour in 1984, founder Ray Barnett hoped his innovative approach to helping the children of Africa would inspire the hearts of all who listened.

For 33 years, the choir has been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa, raising awareness of the plights of children in countries like Uganda and Kenya while also showing the beauty and potential of each African child. The proceeds of their tours fund an ever-growing program of establishing literacy schools to enable impoverished children to gain a proper education.

This outreach, called Music for Life, works in the seven African countries of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. Music for Life has provided education to more than 52,000 children and impacted the lives of more than 100,000 people through its relief and development programs, according to a news release. The organization's purpose is to "help create new leadership for tomorrow's Africa by focusing on education."

Throughout the choir's history, it has performed before presidents, heads of state and most recently Queen Elizabeth II for her diamond jubilee. They have shared the stage with performers such as Josh Groban, Michael W. Smith and Wyclef Jean, appearing on nearly every major television network in the United States on shows like "The Jay Leno Show," "Good Morning America" and "The Ellen Degeneres Show."

The 47th African Children's Choir will perform in Jefferson City this Sunday at First Church of God. Nineteen singers ages 7-10 will perform during the church's worship hour Sunday morning.

The program features a variety of music styles, ranging from well-loved children's songs to hand-clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary tunes.

There is no ticket price, but donations are welcome.

The choir will perform during the 10:15 a.m. worship service at First Church of God, 1614 Southwest Blvd. in Jefferson City.

For more information about the choir, Music for Life and their North American tour, visit africanchildrenschoir.com.