Among the many highlights of the commemoration day in Zurich was singing. Worship choirs had the privilege of playing a central role in bringing together voices from diverse backgrounds to celebrate faith, reconciliation and unity.
The participating choirs included
- Eastleigh Fellowship Centre (EFC) Mennonite Church Choir – Nairobi, Kenya
- Ágape Band – Asunción, Paraguay
- Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) Chamber Singers – Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
- Songs of Peace – Liestal, Switzerland
- TIARA (The Indonesian Anabaptist peRforming Art) TIARA – GKMI Anugerah Church, Jakarta, Indonesia
Among these choirs, the Eastleigh Fellowship Centre (EFC) Mennonite Church Choir stood out to me as particularly fascinating.
EFC Choir
The EFC Choir, representing a Mennonite church in Nairobi, was one of five musical ensembles selected to showcase Anabaptist music from around the world at the 500th-anniversary event in Zurich. They eagerly embraced the opportunity to share the love of Christ through a rich fusion of African musical traditions and gospel harmonies.
The choir performed twice – an indoor concert at the Predigerkirche and an outdoor performance at Zwingli Platz, in front of the Grossmünster church, without amplification. They also participated in the final worship service, which was livestreamed globally.
The choir describes its musical style as afrofusion. “Our music brings together influences from different countries across Africa,” says choir member George Ochieng.
Furthermore, the choir itself reflects Kenya’s cultural diversity, as its members hail from various ethnic backgrounds.
A ministry of music
For the EFC Choir, music is more than just performance – it is ministry. Their deep commitment to Christian faith drives them to share Christ’s message through song. Music, for them, is a way to strengthen faith, uplift spirits and offer encouragement to others.
The choir believes that their voices serve as instruments of healing and unity, capable of breaking cultural barriers and touching lives across different backgrounds. Their performances embody themes of hope, perseverance and divine grace, reminding listeners of God’s enduring presence.
Favourite song
The EFC Choir actively composes and arranges music that reflects their faith journey and cultural heritage. Their style blends traditional African rhythms with gospel themes, creating a unique and spiritually enriching worship experience.
While some of their songs come from hymn books, others originate from unknown composers or are written by choir members themselves.
One of their most cherished songs is “Yesu Vamuvamba,” which translates to “Jesus Was Crucified” in Tiriki, a language spoken by the Tiriki people from western Kenya. The song reflects on Christ’s crucifixion and the liberty it brought to humanity, resonating deeply with themes of sacrifice, redemption and forgiveness.
Often performed during Easter services and revival meetings, this song carries an uplifting melody and profound lyrics that inspire worship and reflection. Choir members share that the song strengthens their personal faith and serves as a reminder of God’s sacrifice and the power of redemption.
A divine calling
The EFC Choir views worship through music as a way to strengthen faith, encourage spiritual growth and foster community unity. Their performances extend beyond their home church, as they frequently travel across Kenya, singing at church services, revival meetings, conferences and music festivals.
While the choir members are deeply dedicated to their music ministry, it remains a part-time commitment. Many of them pursue careers in education, business, healthcare and other fields to sustain themselves, as the choir lacks the financial resources to support full-time musicians.
Despite these challenges, choir members devote significant time to rehearsals, church services, and special events, viewing their musical gifts as a divine calling rather than just a hobby.
Additionally, the choir actively mentors young musicians and encourages youth involvement in worship, helping cultivate the next generation of Christian artists and leaders.
The Anabaptist 500th anniversary
Being invited to perform at this historic 500th-anniversary celebration is both an honour and a spiritual milestone for the EFC Choir. Their presence in Zurich allows them to share their music on a global stage, connecting with Anabaptist communities worldwide.
This celebration is a powerful testament to the endurance of faith, emphasizing how Anabaptism has thrived through centuries of persecution, change and growth. By participating, the choir sees themselves contributing to history, showcasing their African Mennonite musical heritage in an international Christian setting.
The choir regards this anniversary as a reminder of unity, perseverance and spiritual revival. They hope that the event will strengthen bonds among Anabaptist congregations, providing opportunities for learning, reconciliation and renewal.
Representing Kenyan Anabaptists at this milestone celebration was a privilege. Members of the EFC Choir hope that their music uplifted and inspired attendees, reminding them that faith transcends borders and that music is a universal language of worship.
What excites me about these choirs
Experiencing these choirs firsthand was truly electrifying. There was something profoundly moving in hearing voices from different corners of the world blend together in harmony, each carrying its own culture, history and faith.
Each choir brought something completely unique to the celebration – whether it was afrofusion rhythms, Latin gospel, or acappella sacred music. Witnessing this diverse musical expression of faith deepened my understanding of how worship through song unites believers across traditions and nations.
—Melvin Banda is a member of Mennonite Brethren Church in Malawi. He served as the YABs delegate for his church in the meetings in 2025.