By Pastor Manny Niekerk


When the members of Kunjalo Music Ministries left teary-eyed family, children and friends behind on the soil of sunny Cape Town, South Africa on the afternoon of Tuesday, 21 March 2007, nothing prepared us for the experience we would have in the ensuing five weeks in the United States of America.

The 18-hour trip was long and the excitement made it difficult to sleep, although we’d been forewarned to get as much rest as possible as our first performance would be on the evening of our arrival at Reid Temple AME, Maryland. Our excitement was slightly dampened by the fact that one of our members’ luggage had gone missing. I don’t tolerate mediocrity and do not consider jetlag and loss of luggage as an excuse to not give our best. So, despite our physical and emotional state, we had to give all we could on our first performance. Hardly eight hours after our arrival in the USA, we kept our date at Reid Temple AME. The congregation and senior pastor greeted our performance with overwhelming praise and gratitude and extended an invitation to the group to visit the church again.

We left Washington, DC on the morning of 23 March for Newark, New Jersey in the company of Raymond Paris, our promoter. He probably thought: “What on earth did I let myself in for…?!” Because not only are we a bit of a noisy bunch, but we can tease each other endlessly and laughter is the order of the day.

Our tour of New Jersey and New York was unbelievable, magical. Not one church or congregation can be singled out for the warmth, love and respect with which we were treated. We were fed lovely soul food everywhere we went, and received spiritual nourishment through the Word that was ministered. The most amazing part is that we felt such an unbelievable spiritual connection with all the people that we met. It was like coming home to family. The Word says that we are all part of one body, and this felt so true as we fellowshipped with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

More than anything, we realized that God is everywhere, and in the same way that He works in America, He does in Africa.

The response of the churches to our African music was miraculous. At every performance, the audience responded with tears by the message of our music: a message of hope and victory through difficult times. The rhythms of Africa had people on their feet and they joined in and danced our African dances with us. And they did! A few brave sisters and brothers even joined us on stage and learned a few moves we hope they will remember when they listen to our music on their CD players!

The people of America connected with our music. Their spirits felt and responded to the sounds and soul of Africa. And every church, without exception, has invited us back.

The pastors who heard us, influential people in gospel circles and members of the congregations had one message: Kunjalo needs to come back in August to attend the Gospel Workshop of America to stage a performance there. We trust that the invitation will come soon…!
“
Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the whole world!” If you do not recognize these words, then you probably did not hear me introduce the group to the churches in the USA. We truly have a beautiful city, and a proud political history of liberation over apartheid. Our greatest pride is in the honourable former President Nelson Mandela, who fought for our freedom and who taught us valuable lessons in humility and forgiveness.

Many pastors and members approached me to inquire about taking tour groups to South Africa, in particular Cape Town, to come see and experience the beauty and history of our country. Because of the magnitude of the response, we aim to set up a structure with The Positive Community magazine, whereby tours will be arranged annually.

We met amazing people with whom we would like to continue meaningful relationships. It is hard to single anyone out, but we had the honour to appear on stage with one of the greatest legends of gospel music and an icon of gospel enthusiasts in South Africa, Pastor Hezekiah Walker. In an unforgettable experience, he invited us on stage to join his worship team at a church service on our last Sunday in the USA. The congregation danced in honour of Africa, and we returned the favour.

He promised to come to South Africa with his choir, and we will hold him to this promise!
Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who, in big and small ways, helped to make our trip meaningful and memorable.
Thank you to Adrian Council and Jean Nash Wells from The Positive Community for their dedication, hard work and support. And to all the sponsors who helped to make it possible, thank you!

To Raymond Paris, our promoter, we love you and look forward to many collaborations in future. Karl, Angela & Jamil Bennett, Karl Marshall: your faithfulness will not go unrewarded!
To the pastors and congregations who so graciously hosted us, thank you! We hope to see you all again soon.