A big voice in Ashton has gone quiet.

Odwa Mvunge, the founder of the Zolani Youth Choir and teacher at the Ashton Combined Public School passed away on 28 June at the age of 38 at the Worcester MediClinic.

Mvunge’s inspirational work with the youth choir has echoed across borders. The choir progressed from humble beginnings with the youngsters from Ashton practicing in a shack to winning the Grand Prix Award at the prestigious A Capella music festival in Moscow, Russia in 2024 with prize money of R1,8m.

Loved ones said their final goodbyes during a memorial service held on 7 July and his funeral service on 12 July in Ashton.

Mvunge founded the choir in 2012. According to the Nelson Mandela University, where he studied at the Department of Music and Perforing Arts, Mvunge saw the youth choir as a way to equip children and young people with musical skills in a community where there are few opportunities for creative development.

Tributes for Mvunge poured in from far and wide. Ashton Combined Public School wrote: “Your classroom was more than a place of learning, it was a place of hope, encouragement and inspiration. You believed in the potential of every child and worked tirelessly to help each one succeed.”

The Thandanani Service Centre in Ashton, which was founded by his grandmother, wrote: “Odwa was more than a teacher in Ashton CP School, he was a man with a heart for people. He believed in uplifting others and never hesitated to share the opportunities that came his way, we saw it with Zolani youth Choir.

“His passion for young people was evident in everything he did. Through music, he worked tirelessly to keep our youth on the right path, giving them hope, purpose, and a positive space to grow. His life was a testament to selfless service and community development.”

Montagu-Ashton Tourism Association wrote: “Odwa leaves a larger than life hole… Because his whole being was larger than life. We will uphold your legacy and never forget you Odwa Mvunge.”

“Langeberg has lost a brilliant soul whose passion, talent and unwavering commitment to the performing arts enriched our communities and inspired countless young people.

“As the founder and conductor of the Zolani Youth Choir, Odwa dedicated his life to developing young talent, creating opportunities and showcasing the richness of Langeberg’s cultural heritage on national and international stages. His contribution to the development of the arts in Langeberg will be remembered for generations. Through music, he gave hope, nurtured excellence and demonstrated the power of the arts to uplift and transform lives,” the Langeberg Muncipality said in a tribute.

Dr Nathi Mvugne told Standard that his brother’s love for music began during his childhood at church in Alice in the Eastern Cape. “In high school he took part in eisteddfods and sang cover songs,” he said.

“Odwa loved his family. His motto in life was ‘family comes first’.” He leaves behind his mother, two brothers and a son. – Ronél van Jaarsveld