Jacques Linde is pictured left, with accompanist Lubabalo (Lubi) Dyasi right, with some of the choir members. (Supplied)
When an institution approaches its 60th anniversary, it is a moment to pause and reflect, and now we think back on the thousands of voices that have echoed through the rock walls of the Drakensberg over six decades. Since its founding in 1967, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir has evolved from a bold dream in Cathkin Park into one of South Africa’s most iconic musical treasures and international cultural ambassadors. It is precisely this rich heritage and exceptional choral tradition that takes centre stage as the “Drakies” perform at the Hilton Arts Festival.
At Hilton College, the choir brings a festival programme that honours its historical roots while looking ahead to the future. For festivalgoers, this performance is more than just another concert on the schedule; it is a celebration of six decades of extraordinary discipline and vocal precision, and the irrepressible energy of young South African talent.
The audience is taken on a musical journey that transitions seamlessly from the stately, sacred intimacy of Western choral works to the vibrant, rhythmic traditions of indigenous African music. That these boys can switch within minutes from a technically demanding Bach or Mozart arrangement to light-footed drum rhythms and choreography demonstrates why the choir, on the threshold of its 60th birthday, continues to set the gold standard for boys’ choral singing in southern Africa.
Jacques Linde, conductor (Supplied)
Questions for Jacques Linde, head of choral activities and conductor:
In a digital era dominated by instant entertainment and AI-generated music, what unique value and relevance does a live boys’ choir offer to the community and the arts today?
The greatest responsibility of leading the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir is to honour its remarkable legacy, while ensuring it remains relevant for future generations. Tradition should never become a museum piece – it should be something that continues to inspire. We preserve the choir’s foundations of musical excellence, discipline and character, while embracing new repertoire, contemporary performance practice and innovative programming. Our audiences today appreciate authenticity and diversity, so we strive to present concerts that celebrate our heritage while reflecting the vibrant musical world we live in. That balance allows us to remain true to who we are without standing still.
Being part of the “Drakies” family at a young age requires immense discipline and commitment. What does this experience mean for the boys’ personal development, self-esteem and life skills beyond music?
Nothing can replace the authenticity of young voices singing together in real time. A live choir is about human connection – breathing together, listening to one another, responding to an audience and creating something that exists only in that moment. While technology has transformed the arts, it cannot replicate the emotional honesty, vulnerability and sense of community that a live performance offers. The Drakensberg Boys’ Choir reminds us that music is ultimately a shared human experience, and that remains just as relevant today as it was nearly 60 years ago. Our mission has always extended far beyond producing exceptional musicians. We are developing young men. Through the demands of rehearsal, performance, travel and living together as a community, the boys learn resilience, discipline, responsibility, teamwork and respect for others. They discover that excellence comes through consistent effort, rather than talent alone. The confidence they gain from standing on stage before thousands of people becomes confidence that serves them in every aspect of life. Whether they pursue careers in music or not, they leave with values and life skills that remain with them long after they have sung their final concert.
With the Hilton Arts Festival this weekend and the big milestone anniversary on the horizon, what new arrangements, themes or exciting projects are in store for the choir for the rest of this year?
The remainder of the year promises to be incredibly exciting. Our performances at the Hilton Arts Festival continue our commitment to presenting diverse and engaging programmes that appeal to audiences of all ages. Looking ahead, we are already laying the groundwork for our 60th anniversary celebrations in 2027 – a milestone that will honour our rich history while looking confidently towards the future. Audiences can expect new repertoire, meaningful collaborations and programmes that celebrate both the heritage of the choir and the evolving landscape of choral music.
The choir is renowned for its seamless transition between Western classical works and African folk music. How do you approach music selection to keep these contrasting sounds culturally respectful and artistically captivating?
Respect always comes first. Every piece we programme deserves to be understood within its cultural and historical context. Whether we perform Renaissance polyphony, a contemporary South African work or a traditional African song, we strive to honour the style, language and tradition from which it comes. At the same time, we carefully consider the overall concert journey for both the boys and the audience. Variety keeps a programme engaging, but every work must contribute to a coherent artistic narrative. The richness of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir lies in its ability to celebrate many musical traditions with equal integrity and excellence.
How does the energy and acoustic experience of performing at a festival venue like Hilton differ from your home stage at the Ken MacKenzie Auditorium in the Central Drakensberg?
The Ken MacKenzie Auditorium is our musical home. It is where the boys rehearse, grow and develop their sound, and there is a special familiarity that comes with performing in that space. Festival venues such as Hilton, however, present new acoustics, different audiences and unique energy. Every venue challenges us to adapt our listening, balance and communication as an ensemble. That adaptability is an important part of our education and contributes to the choir’s versatility as a touring ensemble.
The vocal break is a natural challenge in any boys’ choir. How do you manage voice building and vocal development for boys whose voices begin to change in the middle of a busy touring season?
Voice change is one of the most fascinating and important stages in a young singer’s development, and it is something we approach with great care. Every boy develops at his own pace, so our responsibility is to create an environment where healthy vocal technique and long-term development always take priority. We continuously monitor each singer’s voice, adjusting repertoire and expectations where necessary, while encouraging boys to see voice change not as the end of their singing journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter. With the right guidance, many of our boys continue singing well into adulthood.
Looking back at the alumni who have passed through the school’s doors over the last six decades, what do you hope every boy takes with him when he hangs up his choir jacket for the final time?
More than anything, I hope every boy leaves with a sense of purpose and gratitude. I hope he remembers what it means to serve something greater than himself, to pursue excellence with humility and to use his gifts in service of others. Music teaches us discipline, empathy and resilience, but it also teaches us to listen – to ourselves and to one another. If every old boy leaves with a lifelong love of music, a strong moral compass and the confidence to make a positive contribution to society, then we have fulfilled our calling as educators.
- Bookings: Drakies Live ‘26 at the Hilton Arts Festival on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at 3:00 pm at Hilton College. Tickets are available online via Webtickets or directly through the official Drakensberg Boys’ Choir website booking portal.