Kenyan choir to perform

Afrizo, an African gospel-style music ensemble from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, will perform at Northwestern College's Christ Chapel at 7:30 p.m.on Friday, Sept. 23. The group will also perform that day in Sioux Center at the Centre Mall at 9:30 a.m. and Dordt College's Campus Center at 11 a.m.

Afrizo sings in English, Swahili and African tribal languages, worshiping the Lord in a unique variety of languages and styles. Director is Daystar faculty member Hellen Mtawali.

The ensemble's fall tour takes Afrizo members from Minneapolis to Rapid City, Portland and Missoula; next to the Midwest, New York and the East Coast; and then to Nashville, Dallas, Albuquerque and Pasadena.

Daystar University was founded more than 35 years ago, and now enrolls over 4,200 students from 20 African countries. The emphasis in the Christian liberal arts school is servant leadership, and Daystar trains students to work in government, business, media, community development, education and the church. Many return to their communities empowered to address difficult issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and civil strife.

The concerts are free, but donations will be received for scholarships for Daystar students. The full cost for tuition, room and board for one year is approximately $5,800. 

Afrizo's visit is sponsored by Northwestern College, Dordt College, the Orange City Arts Council and the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Orange City Arts Council at 712-707-4885 or visit the Daystar website. Hear music samples at www.daystarus.org/afrizo/