Young Voices Keeps Cry Freedom Tribute but Removes One Section After 19 Teacher Concerns

Young Voices has removed the opening section of the song Crossroads (A Dawn Raid) from its 2027 programme. GB News reported that the organisation, which organises the largest children’s choir events in the UK and performs at venues including the O2 Arena, acted after receiving concerns from 19 teachers.

The removed section consists of a translation of Zulu lines from a song featured in the 1987 film Cry Freedom.

The translated lyrics state: “The black people are coming. They are coming with weapons, father. ” Schools across the country had already been sent the original lyrics, an English translation and rehearsal materials ahead of the concerts.

Young Voices selected the Cry Freedom medley in honour of its founder, David Lewis, who died in May 2026 and was a close friend of journalist Donald Woods. The organisation confirmed it removed the section after the teacher inquiries and informed all 4,533 participating schools of the alterations. It admitted an “oversight” when reviewing the translation ahead of publication.

New materials removing the section are being prepared and sent out. A spokesman said the group is taking steps to tighten its review process, including increased consultation with its teacher community. A parent of one participating child told The Times that the translation did not appear to have been properly considered before the material was sent out.