Ndlovu Youth Choir Releases isiZulu Rendition of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’: “An Immense Honour”

• Limpopo-based musicians Ndlovu Youth Choir received approval from Queen's surviving members to release an isiZulu version of Bohemian Rhapsody
• Choir master Ralf Schmitt noted that it was an immense honour to receive their blessing, as the Choir was excited to share the song with the world
• Social media users from across the globe enjoyed the performance, giving the group all the love in the world

Ndlovu Youth Choir made history this year, becoming the first group of musicians to have a translated recording of Queen's 1975 hit song Bohemian Rhapsody approved by surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Past members include frontman Freddie Mercury, who died in 1991, and John Deacon, whose last public performance was reportedly in 1997 and hasn't been seen in decades.

The internationally acclaimed South African performers, with roots in Limpopo, shared their rendition in isiZulu on 29 August, 2025. Their signature African harmonies were evident, while still maintaining the song's original emotion and artistry.

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Ralf Schmitt, Ndlovu Youth Choir's choir master, ecstatically remarked that securing the rights to the song was a long and patient journey.

After crediting hidden international figures who assisted in ensuring that their dreams were possible, Ralf continued:

"The Choir is thrilled to share this very special version with audiences everywhere. To have the blessing of Brian May and Roger Taylor is an immense honour, and we cannot wait for the world to hear it."

Ndlovu Youth Choir will celebrate another iconic moment when they embark on their 2025 Heritage Tour. The group kicks off the tour in Polokwane on 5 September, 2025 and ends in Pretoria on Heritage Day.

What is Bohemian Rhapsody about?

According to the site Bartleby, Freddie, who was the sole writer of the 50-year-old, five-minute and 55-second track, never disclosed the official meaning behind Bohemian Rhapsody. However, Brian, who serves as the band's lead guitarist, believed it was about Freddie's past struggles and mission to get past society's standards.

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Internet enjoys isiZulu version

After posting the clip on their YouTube account, many YouTubers shared how much they loved the rendition with a South African flair.

@odonovan wrote under the video:

"I've been a fan for several years. This is far and away the most incredible performance of BoRhap I've had the pleasure to watch. I am stunned. I am amazed. I am overjoyed."

@tina.a.59 pleaded with the youngsters:

"Please never stop singing."

@courtneyadams4624 told the online community:

"I have been a fan ever since they were on 'America's Got Talent' when they were just young kids."

@Seyfsha added in the comment section:

"Big love from Ethiopia."

After watching the clip, @samusicnewsmagazine revealed:

"This brings tears to my eyes. How beautifully moving. Such an honour to receive the blessing of Brian May and Roger Taylor and to know they acknowledge and love this song."

An impressed @cherylsol7513 shared:

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"What an incredible interpretation of this Queen masterpiece. The choreography, performance, costumes, settings, and videography. 10/10."

Take a look at Ndlovu Youth Choir's rendition in the YouTube video below:

3 Other stories about Ndlovu Youth Choir

• In another article, Briefly News reported that Ralf and two other members made the internet laugh when they performed a satirical 'refugee' anthem.
• A short clip published in June, 2025 showed the musical team performing beautiful vocals and dance moves on the road. It gave fans a glimpse of their song, The Best.
• In 2023, the group covered Dlala Thukzin's iPlan. The video, which was shared by gossipmonger Musa Khawula, received mixed reactions from social media users. Some weren't a fan of the performance.

Source: Briefly News