Voices of hope

The African Children’s Choir will bring their radiant voices and spirited rhythms to Costa Mesa tonight, along with an important message of hope on behalf of millions of orphans in Africa.

Performing for audiences all over the world — including inmates at the Cook County Jail, the Queen of Denmark and relief workers at Ground Zero — the choir is composed of 26 Ugandan children, ages 7 to 11, most of whom have lost one or both parents to famine and disease.

“They are ambassadors of their country,” said tour leader Kari Trieb, who accompanies tonight’s performers, Choir No. 29, on the road. “There are so many children in Africa that can’t have a future and can’t have a hope, but these children are bringing it to them.”

Founded in 1984 by human rights worker Ray Barnett, the choir not only raises awareness, but all the proceeds garnered from donations and the sale of their music fund youth development projects in several African nations, including Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya.

In addition to food and medical care, the African Children’s Choir — through the nonprofit organization Music for Life — provides education to more than 7,000 children at primary and literacy schools. Also, upon completing a year-long tour with the choir, members are guaranteed education through college.

Elsa Mugyenzi considers herself “the luckiest of the lucky” as one of 30 children who were chosen from more than 500 to be a member of the first choir. After completing her education in Uganda, she now serves as a tour leader for the organization, and feels fulfilled to pass the bright future the choir offered her on to others. Moreover, she promises audiences a dynamic performance.

“They are going to see smiles, dancing, joy and excitement,” she said. “These children just have an energy that speaks volumes.”

The children’s energy has captured much attention. Besides being nominated for a Grammy for best gospel choir several years ago, the African Children’s Choir performed in England with Paul McCartney at the Live 8 Concert in 2006, and on the movie soundtracks for “Blood Diamond,” “Hotel Rwanda” and “Beloved.”

After seeing the choir perform two years ago, Associate Pastor Joe Strubbe of Christ Lutheran Ministries is eager to share their program — which includes music sung in English, Luganda and Swahili — with community members.

“They are so exuberant in the message that they bring,” he said. “The choreography is breathtaking and they never stop moving the whole time.”

Choir member Anna Kamwiita, 8, has been busy performing several times a week all over the West Coast since the current tour started in October. Along the way, she has visited several parks and historic sites, and most recently spent a day at Disneyland. But Anna’s favorite part of being on tour is the singing, and there is one song in particular she is looking forward to sharing tonight.

“I love singing ‘Oh Happy Day,’ ” she said. “Because I sing a solo.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The African Children’s Choir

WHEN: 7 o’clock tonight

WHERE: Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria St., Costa Mesa

COST: Free

INFO: www.africanchildrenschoir.com