Hymns — Members of the 53rd African Children’s Choir sang during their performance Monday at the Sycamore Youth Center. — Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — A performance at the Sycamore Youth Center on Monday showcased the musical talents of young Ugandans participating in a program designed to lift them out of the cycle of poverty.

Sixteen boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 10 sang, danced and played percussion in the African Children’s Choir. Now in its 40th year, the traveling choir is a major program of the international organization Music for Life, which provides education, apprenticeships and leadership training to poor African children through various relief and development initiatives.

Monday’s free show was part of the choir’s US tour, titled “As I Am”, and featured Christian hymns performed with a distinctly African sound and enthusiasm. This was the third time the choir has come to Sycamore for a performance, recalled the center’s executive director, Bobbyjon Bauman.

“I’ve always had a heart for missions and finding ways to help people, especially in circumstances of poverty.” Bauman said. “This is an opportunity where we in America can give back to children so that they can be educated and provided with good health care and apprenticeships. And they also put on a great show, so I think it’s good for the community to see the beauty of African culture demonstrated in and through dance, percussion and song to the glory of God.”

Partnering with Sycamore to present the show was Mount Carmel Community Baptist Church. Mount Carmel pastor Rev. Benjamin Calvert II said supporting the choir is important because of this “the hope children have for a better life and a brighter future.”

To start the show, tour leader Jim Luzze introduced himself and three other staff members – school principal Martha Namujju, music director Paul Muyanja and sound technician Joash Kiragga – all members of the choir in past years.

“Just as the four of us once were, many of the children you are about to see were surrounded by poverty and severe illness.” Luzze said, “but despite their difficult circumstances, they refused to lose hope. These children represent the extraordinary potential of Africa. They represent the change that faith and hope can bring, and they have traveled halfway around the world to share their hope, faith and joy with you tonight.”

Namujju would later recount the history of the choir, mentioning its founding in 1984 by Ray Barnett. While on a humanitarian trip to Uganda – which at the time was wracked by civil war – Barnett led a boy to safety.

“That little boy lost his parents and didn’t know where his next meal would come from.” Namujju said. “But the whole journey sang with a pure joy and dignity that moved Ray Barnett deeply. So Ray thought, “Why not bring q group of children to the Western world so that everyone can see the great promise and potential of the children of Africa?”

The first African children’s choir came to the U.S. in 1984, Namujju said. Since then, the choir’s activity has expanded to several countries and supports students in more than 35 schools. The choir has educated more than 59,000 children in the last 40 years.

The members of this choir—the 53rd—introduced themselves and their hopes for the future were presented. Desired careers included engineer, hair stylist, author, pilot, accountant, lawyer, teacher, doctor, nurse, farmer and surgeon.

The video projected on a screen showed testimonials from other past choirs who were sponsored through the college or university through the program.

“When Music for Life brings children into the choir program, their lives are changed, our lives are changed, and the ripple effect is felt in our families and communities.” Luzze said.

Namujju herself recalled joining the choir in 2005 at the age of 8. Her father died when she was only 3 years old, leaving her mother to fend for Namujju and her brother by working as a domestic helper. In one of the homes where her mother worked, Namujju was physically assaulted by the other children, from whom her mother tried to protect her.

When Namujju turned five, she was taken to live with her grandfather. During that time, her brother introduced her to the church, where the choir auditioned. Namujju was “very lucky” to be selected as one of the 25 choir members.

“From that moment forward, the trajectory of my life changed,” Namujju said. “I was able to travel the world and receive education in Uganda’s top schools from primary to university and today I am proud to say that I have a degree in early childhood care and development. I am truly grateful for the blessings and opportunities that have come my way.”

Muyanja also gave his testimony, noting how his selection into the choir changed his life, providing training that would affect his family and dreams. Upon his return, he continued his studies and in 2022 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international business.

“I use my story to let children know that there is a grace that lifts the lowly, the downcast from the dust and places him with kings and princes. And it is that grace that I would like you to reflect on as we sing this song: the ‘Amazing Grace’ of God.” Muyanja said, before joining the chorus with a rendition of his own “Amazing.”

The choir and volunteers then collected a freewill offering to support Music For Life and its programs, which include education, health care and nutrition. Luzze said the goal is to raise as much funds as possible, and donations can be made by visiting AfricanChildrensChoir.com.

Luzze also invited attendees to consider sponsoring a choir member’s education. Through self-sponsorship, Luzze was able to graduate in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.

Luzze added that volunteers are needed to support the choir during the tour, including chaperones, bus drivers, sound technicians, road teachers and tour leaders.

The choir has two other Ohio shows planned on this tour: Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Tusky Valley Performing Arts Center, 2629 Tusky Valley Road, Zoarville, and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Coburn United Methodist Church, 3618 Maple Ave ., Zanesville .