News Release

Detroit Youth Choir Performs to Packed House at Nairobi East Stake Center

2nd Place Finishing Choir in America’s Got Talent Competition Visits and Performs in Kenya

The Detroit Youth Choir, which finished 2nd in Season 14 of America’s Got Talent, recently performed at the Upper Hill Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Upper Hill Building is the Stake Center for the Nairobi East Stake, Nairobi, Kenya.  On one of the rainiest nights in the rainiest long rain season in memory, a large crowd braved the weather to experience the young people who have garnered national acclaim in the USA.   The Detroit Youth Choir is comprised of many inner city kids, who come from challenging circumstances.  The choir is made up of young people between 8 and 18 years old from the Detroit, Michigan (USA) area.  It is led by conductor Anthony White.

This Detroit Youth Choir concert was arranged by African American performing family the Bonner Family.  The Bonners are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The musical performance was preceded with testimonies of Jesus Christ by two members of the choir and two youth of the Church.   In the music repertoire of the Detroit Youth Choir are many gospel songs such as We Worship You, How Great Thou Art, and Hallelujah.  These songs and show tunes such as This is Me from The Greatest Showman, and more were performed during the concert.

The audience included over 30 children from the Miale Ya Tumaine children’s rescue center in Rongai, a town just outside of Nairobi in Kenya.  One of the rescue center’s leaders expressed the appreciation of these children for being able to experience a beautiful evening of faith and devotion.

“We are writing to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the gracious invitation to join you in a worship experience featuring the Detroit Youth Choir. It was truly a blessing for our children to be a part of such a spiritually uplifting event.”

“Witnessing the devotion and talent of the Detroit Youth Choir was not only a joyous experience but also a powerful reminder of the beauty and diversity within the body of Christ. Through their voices and harmonies, they illuminated the spirit of unity and love that transcends boundaries and brings us closer to our Lord.

Choir Director Anthony White, in remarks preceding the musical performance, spoke of dreams.  “All it takes is one person to believe in a young man or young woman to help them reach their dreams.”

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.