Watoto Children’s Choir to Bring Uplifting Performance to N.C. in Celebration of Black History Month
HAMLET, NC – A truly special event is set to take place at the Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College (RCC) in Hamlet on Wednesday, February 26, as the world-renowned Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda brings its inspiring performance to North Carolina.
The 6 p.m. concert, presented in conjunction with the Morven-based HOLLA! Development Corporation’s Black History Program, is designed to educate, energize, and inspire young African Americans through the power of music and storytelling.
A Choir That Has Performed for Presidents and Royalty
The Watoto Children’s Choir has performed for some of the world’s most influential figures, including U.S. presidents, world leaders, and Queen Elizabeth II. Their music, rooted in faith and resilience, has graced parliaments and global stages for over 25 years.
HOLLA! Founder Leon Gatewood believes this event is an essential experience for the community, particularly for young people.
“People ask me why I’m so passionate about bringing our youth to this event. It’s because our history has taught us to have faith, to believe that God is alive, and to keep fighting for a better future. We must continue to feed positive images and information into our minds and souls,” Gatewood said.
The Mission Behind Watoto
According to Watoto’s website, the choir’s mission is to share a message of God’s unfailing love.
“He places abandoned and forgotten children in families full of love. When people see our children from Uganda, with their hearts healed and their dreams restored, they can’t help but realize that this same God cares for them, too.”
The choir, comprised of 18 to 22 Ugandan children, travels internationally to raise awareness and support for the Watoto Orphanage in Uganda. Watoto was founded in 1984 during the country’s civil war to rescue orphaned and abandoned children and place them in loving homes.
Beyond caring for children, Watoto empowers vulnerable women and mothers, equipping them with skills and resources to become strong, self-sufficient leaders in their families and communities.
Community Support and Sponsorships
HOLLA! is working to secure financial support to allow as many Anson County students as possible to attend the event. Gatewood says the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Doors will open at 4 p.m. for a resource fair and reception sponsored by the North Carolina Black Alliance,” Gatewood said.
Several organizations and businesses have stepped up to sponsor student attendance, including:
- Supreme Home Care – Sponsoring 200 students
- Gatewood Insurance, Attorney Fred Poisson, and the Anson County NAACP – Sponsoring 100 children each
A full list of sponsors will be included in the event program and on social media.
A Must-See Performance
More than just a choir, Watoto represents a global church community dedicated to faith, hope, and transformation. Their performances blend powerful music, dance, and storytelling, offering an unforgettable celebration of African heritage, resilience, and unity.
With such a meaningful mission and a high-energy performance, this event promises to be a powerful experience for the entire community.
For ticket information, call (704) 695-4968 or (910) 384- 3168.
Photos by Watoto Media Team