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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: SOUTH AFRICA GAY CHOIR - Haffejee
HEADLINE: An all-gay choir combines music and activism
TEASER: The Mzansi Gay Choir share their journey of activism and acceptance through their powerful voices and music.
PUBLISHED AT: (DATE & TIME)
BYLINE: Ihsaan Haffejee
CONTRIBUTOR: Ihsaan Haffejee
DATELINE: Johannesburg, South Africa.
VIDEOGRAPHER: Ihsaan Haffejee
VIDEO EDITOR: Ihsaan Haffejee
PRODUCER:
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Salwa Jaafari
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs; sb
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Original sourced video.
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV __ RADIO __ (mark X for the platform the reporter is filing for)
TRT: 3:15
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: (TVPKG/RADIO)
EDITOR NOTES:
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, FEEL FREE TO WORK THAT INTO THE LEAD-IN IF IT MAKES SENSE FOR YOU AUDIENCE))
((INTRO))
[[The artists from South Africa's Mzansi Gay Choir are known not just for their music, but also for their role in LGBTQI advocacy. Ihsaan Haffejee brings us this story from a rehearsal studio in Johannesburg, where the musicians gather for a practice session. ]]
[[VIDEO: Thami Dish talking on stage; Choir members together on stage performing]]
((NARRATION))
Thami Dish co-founded the Mzansi Gay Choir in 2016. Part of its mission was to inspire inclusivity and diversity and showcase the true essence of the LGBTQI community through music.
((Thami Dish, Mzansi Gay Choir Founder)) ((Male, in English))
“… we found a great bunch of humans who were keen on journeying with us in becoming some voice of change through the arts, and that discipline of music.”
[[VIDEO: Mzansi Gay Choir rehearsing; Choir on stage; Sihle Mazibuko with other choir members rehearsing]]
((NARRATION))
The choir has performed countless sold-out shows and has been appearing regularly on the hit TV show, Idols SA. Sihle Mazibuko says all choir members embrace the dual roles of musician and activist.
((Sihle Mazibuko, Mzansi Gay Choir)) ((Male, in English))
“…taking a stance and doing so through music and performance in the way that the choir does, it is actually a campaign that is speaking to the injustices done to the LGBTIQ+ community, not only in Africa but globally, I think.”
[[VIDEO: Choir rehearsing; Olivia putting on makeup backstage; Choir members holding hands]]
((NARRATION))
The choir not only lends its voice to amplify issues around gay rights, but also serves as a safe space for its members. Olivia Magubane recalls the difficulties of growing up queer in a strictly religious family, and how the choir has helped.
((Olivia Magubane, Mzansi Gay Choir)) ((Identifies as Female, in English))
“It has helped me live free in a world full of people who do not understand us, people that do not get us. The Mzansi Gay Choir is truly my safe space.”
[[VIDEO: Still photos from a protest against anti-gay laws; Choir members on stage performing]]
((NARRATION))
South Africa's constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. But homosexuality is illegal in most countries in Africa, and Dish says his choir’s existence comes with the responsibility of bringing hope to marginalized queer people on the continent.
((Thami Dish, Founder, Mzansi Gay Choir)) ((Male, in English))
“But what I do feel we have, as a country, is a choir that wants to be able to send message to whether you [are] Ugandan, Tanzanian, you in Ghana, you in Congo, you in Nigeria, you in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, you name them. You know there is a sense of hope that we are giving to queer individuals there.”
[[VIDEO: Still photos from a protest against anti-gay laws; Choir members on stage performing]]
((NARRATION))
As the artists of Mzansi Gay Choir continue to build on their musical success, they are equally determined to advocate for a more just and equitable world.
((Ihsaan Haffejee, VOA News, Johannesburg, South Africa.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateMay 30, 2024 09:46 EDT
BylineIhsaan Haffejee
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
