A classical musical group in Tanzania, Dar Choral Society (DSC) is aiming to promote diversity and create a bridge between various nationalities, without compromising values.
Dar Choral Society is an inclusive group with members from diverse cultural, ethnic, and professional backgrounds. The group founded by the European community based in Dar es Salaam has enrolled musicians from Kenya, Norway, the UK, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, and the US to promote social change through music.
The conductor of Dar Choral Society, Hekima Raymond said since 1940, the group has been breaking cultural barriers by enrolling members from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
While music binds the members of the group, in their daily lives they are corporate managers, teachers, lawyers, accountants, marketers, diplomats, doctors, and students.
Although Tanzania is home to 130 ethnic groups speaking different languages, the music group has chosen Swahili, known colloquially as Kiswahili as the medium. Besides the national language of the country, it is spoken by 90% population.
“When we use Swahili in the composition and singing, that means our singers have to learn how to sing in this language and that automatically breaks cultural barriers,” he said.
According to Raymond, who is a pianist, the group is striving to create a safe and creative space for people irrespective of their age, nationalities, race, or cultural background and help to develop their hidden talents.
“Anyone is welcome to join the group. There is no qualification except for one’s willingness to learn new ideas and develop their talent. We are trying to create a safe space for anyone with a talent and prove that music knows no barriers and languages” he said.
A vocalist from South Africa and member of the group, Martin Khumalo says he has performed in many concerts with the group.
Although, from South Africa, Khumalo has achieved perfection in the Swahili language like many other foreigners in the group.
Over the past 80 years of its existence, the musical group has continued the tradition of opening its doors to people from varied cultures, nationalities, professions, and levels of ability.