Joy, Community and Belonging: The Johannesburg Queer Chorus

Formed in 2020, “barely a week before lockdown,” the Johannesburg Queer Chorus (JQC) has grown from a hopeful idea into one of Joburg’s most vibrant queer community hubs.

Reflecting on its origin story, founding member Tom Coggin recalls how the dream first took shape.

“We were able to get going again with masked rehearsals in November of that year, and soon our momentum got going again as people sought out community,” he explains.

“That’s really what inspired its creation, the recognition that community is this wonderful force of good in the world, and that Joburg needed a choral space for LGBTQIA+ people to feel safe, seen, and our voices heard… We had seen similar choirs in other parts of the world, and figured that Jozi deserved one too!”

A Choir That Became a Community

Five years later, that vision has expanded far beyond what anyone expected.

According to Wynand Strydom, the choir’s Vice Chairperson, the JQC has grown “in ways we could never have imagined.”

“We’ve had the privilege of working under three incredible musical directors: Ruth Coggin, Jacques Le Roux, and now Faye Prinsloo,” he says. “Each brought their own artistry, and although we began as an amateur choir, our sound today is anything but.”

But the heart of the JQC, Wynand emphasises, is the community that has formed around it. “More queer people across Johannesburg are discovering that there is a safe, affirming space waiting for them. Even if singing isn’t your thing, you can still be a Friend of the JQC and be part of the family we’re building.”

The impact has been so profound that even long-time members are still surprised by the reach of the choir. “It’s overwhelming to think of the JQC’s impact,” Wynand reflects, “an impact that we feel very intensely but may never be able to measure fully.”

Moments That Affirm the Mission

Asked about major highlights, Tom points to a milestone: the choir’s participation in the Various Voices Choir Festival in 2023. But for him, the real magic happens weekly.

“The ultimate highlight happens almost every week, on Tuesday evenings,” he says. “We warm our voices up in an almost meditative trance… and begin to connect with each other through a simple spirituality of shared harmony.”

For Jess Jardim Wedepohl, the choir’s Member Relations Coordinator, Pride performances stand out. “That’s where our people are,” she says, noting that despite invitations to more high-profile events, including the African premiere of Wicked: For Good, community-focused performances “will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Like Tom, her favourite moments happen in rehearsal: “Not one rehearsal goes by without one small, significant moment… It’s all equally meaningful.”

Joy to Joburg: A Dezemba Choral Special

On Saturday, 6 December, the JQC brings audiences Joy to Joburg: A Dezemba Choral Special, a concert that promises shimmer, soul, and a few surprises.

“There’s a good mix of sparkle and splendour,” says Ati Maphoto, the choir’s Media Officer. “The whole programme is a reminder that you have more friends than you know… We want to paint a dream that we can follow and leave the audience feeling changed for good. And of course, we definitely Wannabe your Weekend Special.”

Queering the Festive Season

For many queer people, the holiday period can be complicated, a reality the choir does not shy away from.

“Our show centres our own stories,” Wynand explains. “We asked our members what the season truly looks like for them… Those real experiences shaped the show.”

He adds that the JQC is intentionally creating a festive space filled with “joy, visibility, and true belonging,” especially for those who may feel the season’s emotional complexity more sharply.

What It Takes to Build a Dezemba Spectacle

As a volunteer-based choir, the behind-the-scenes work is extensive. Ati credits the members themselves.

“It all begins with the music and our weekly Tuesday rehearsals,” he explains. Beyond that, a dedicated Creative Team handles “set design, lighting plans, and costume considerations,” ensuring the final product shimmers before the first note is sung.

The Impact They Hope to Leave

For Ati, the meaning of Joy to Joburg is deeply personal: “For many of us, this choir is a queer home… This show is an effervescent celebration of music, identity, and togetherness. We’re singing our truth and invite you to feel yours.”

How Joburgers Can Support the JQC

Beyond attending the concert, Joburgers can support the choir by following them on social media, joining events, or even auditioning next year.

“You can keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit our website at www.jqc.org.za,” Ati says. “The next round of auditions is in January 2026. The best way to support us is to stay in the loop so you can join in and be part of the magic.”

 

Join the Johannesburg Queer Chorus for Joy to Joburg: A Dezemba Choral Special, on Saturday 6 December at the UJ Arts Centre in Johannesburg. Shows at 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are available on Quicket.