On Friday, September 23, the African gospel-style music ensemble, Afrizo, will perform at Centre Mall in Sioux Center at 9:30 a.m., Dordt College Campus Center at 11 a.m., and Northwestern College Christ Chapel in Orange City at 7:30 p.m.
Afrizo, from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, 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 September 1 through November 22 tour takes Afrizo members from Minneapolis to Rapid City, Portland and Missoula, next to the Midwest, New York and the East Coast, then to Nashville, Dallas, Albuquerque and Pasadena.
Daystar University was founded 35-plus years ago, and now has 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: 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 Dordt College, Northwestern 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 check the Daystar website: www.daystarus.org/. Hear music samples at http://www.daystarus.org/afrizo-music.html. See a music video at http://www.daystarus.org/afrizo-video.html.