You’ve heard us talk about building a platform for talent to flourish, it’s our studio’s purpose, the core of what we do and why. So when Luke from UpNext Studios, the founders and driving force behind Thanda Choir, reached out to us last year looking for a professional recording space, we knew it would be a collaboration that made sense because our purposes aligned perfectly.
Thanda Choir was founded in July 2023 to create a platform for talented musicians in Khayalitsha. Opportunities for professional singers in the township are limited, with no formal mentorship or career pathways in place. The choir exists to bridge that gap, helping members build sustainable careers in music and the creative industry.
Unlike many commercialized African choral groups, the choir stays true to Xhosa musical traditions, bringing a unique emotional and raw quality to their performances. Luke is passionate about keeping the sound of the choir as authentic as possible: “We don’t do Lion King or America’s Got Talent routines. A lot of choirs have gone down that road, but we’ve focused on representing Xhosa culture in a way that feels real.”
Their work on The Last Ranger, a South African short film receiving critical acclaim including a nomination for an Academy Award, was a breakthrough moment. They collaborated on the film’s score with world-renowned composer, John Powell. The film, directed by Cindy Lee, explores rhino poaching and conservation efforts in South Africa during the pandemic. Luke said as soon as he watched the film he knew it would be a huge opportunity for the choir.
Recording nearly half the score at Pressure Cooker Studios and with no prior experience in score composition, the choir had to adapt to a new way of working, relying entirely on emotion and instinct. Despite the challenges, the result was a powerful score that contributed to the film’s critical success and put the choir on the global stage.
James Matthes, Pressure Cooker Studios CEO says: “When Luke approached me looking for a partner into the media industry and a professional recording space for Thanda Choir, I immediately saw the potential for a partnership that would serve us both. We could serve as a partner into the media industry for them, and in return we could record the unique sound of their choir. We set up to 2 full day trade exchange sessions where we recorded and mixed the choir professionally which gave the choir more experience in recording in a professional studio space which served as an invaluable introduction into the media industry and has given our studio access to their unique voices to add to our Pressure Music Catalogue and archive of African sounds.”
Our long-term relationship with Thanda Choir is mutually beneficial. We bring expertise and experience in music and media, providing access to a broader network and opportunities in the industry. In return, Thanda Choir offers a unique and authentic vocal sound to our studio that resonates deeply with our mission to bring the authentic sound of Africa to the world. Luke says: “Pressure Cooker Studios understand the value of showcasing authentic talent.”
Beyond music, Thanda Choir prioritizes leadership development. Through partnerships with organizations, they run workshops on financial literacy, gender-based violence awareness, and personal development. Their goal is to ensure that each choir member not only builds a career but also becomes a leader who uplifts their community.
A key focus for Thanda Choir this year is building a dedicated rehearsal space. The choir currently practices in a 35-square-meter shack. A state-of-the-art facility would provide a stable foundation for rehearsals, recording, and mentorship.
With a growing network and a partnership with Pressure Cooker Studios, Thanda Choir is building a foundation for long-term impact. “We’ve seen a lot of opportunities come our way,” says Luke. “Now, it’s about making the most of them.”
