African children's choir to perform Sunday in Crestview

The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa will visit Emmanuel Baptist Church — 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview — as part of its 2014-2015 U.S. tour.

CRESTVIEW — Cultures will unite Sunday, when the Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa performs 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

The group brings a message of joy and hope through African song and dance. Daraja means “bridge” in Swahili, and the choir, made up of 23 children from Uganda and Kenya, aim connect the people of Africa and America.

"This is a life-changing opportunity for these children to learn and experience American culture, as many of them have never experienced life outside of their own countries," Justin Wyatt, of the Crestview church, said. "At the same time, Americans have the opportunity to step into the lives of these children by hearing their testimonies and experiencing traditional African song and dance.

"… Anyone who is present is guaranteed to be amazed and inspired by these incredible children," Wyatt said. "… Despite dealing with unimaginable hardships, these children are overflowing with joy and love, which they are eager to share, as is evident in their performance."

The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa — embarking on its 2014-2015 U.S. tour — is part of The 410 Bridge, a non-profit community development organization.

Visit www.410bridge.org or www.darajachoir.org for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: African children's choir to perform Sunday in Crestview