Thanda Choir faces exploitation claims after Carte Blanche exposé

Carte Blanche recently exposed Thanda choir managers, Julio Teixeira and Luke Bernhadi, for reportedly underpaying the choir members who are allegedly struggling to survive.

Thanda Choir has been on international tours, performing at destinations such as Brazil and Paris. The choir, which is from Makhaza Khayelitsha, was founded in 2023 to provide the youth with opportunities to develop their talents in music and arts.

Also see: ‘Carte Blanche’ investigates possible link between injectable contraceptives and brain tumours

During the Carte Blanche exposé, broadcaster Claire Mawisa revealed to one of the choir members that Julio and Luke charge R40 000 for a 45 minute performance for the Thanda Choir. The emotional choir member shared that they do not know anything, they only go to rehearsals and are paid R400 and with food parcels.

On social media, Thanda Choir is shown to be a global sensation. But back home, choir members allegedly struggle to survive. #CarteBlanche @clairemawisa pic.twitter.com/P3WKEuLDXy

— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) April 19, 2026

@thanda.choirTHANDA CHOIR TO THE WORLD 🌎🇧🇷🇿🇦♬ Uthando – Thanda Choir

Claire sat down with the Thanda Choir managers, asking them what the money is spent on. They shared that the money made from choir performances goes towards the organisation. When they were asked to share their finances, they said they had signed an NDA form which prevents them from doing so.

The Thanda Choir performs globally – from Brazil to Paris. International tours mean higher fees, but the choir seemingly doesn’t reap the rewards… #CarteBlanche @clairemawisa pic.twitter.com/4ISeGFpuTp

— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) April 19, 2026

Also see: ‘Leave Mamkhize alone,’ internet lambasts Carte Blanche’s exposé on Shauwn Mkhize

X (formerly Twitter) users weighed in:

#CarteBlanche episode broke my heart 💔💔 imagine travelling all the way to sing in Paris but only get R400 per month…. https://t.co/mnKsZYvLZx

— Anastasi Mokgobu (@AnastasiMokgobu) April 19, 2026

We are truly on our own.

Go to school, kids. Sing, dance, perform for your families for the love of it, not the system.

Sello sang “We Miss You Mandela.”
Brenda gave us “Black President.”
Lucky reminded us “I’m a Prisoner.”

Bra Hugh, Miriam, Letta, Caiphus even Mafokate and… https://t.co/dSxQEvh56a

— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) April 19, 2026

For all its mess, negative vibes and evil tendencies, the people on this app have been calling out the red flags about that Thanda Choir.

I have seen numerous tweets over the years asking if those choir members are getting their dues. https://t.co/pBg18KCqGT

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) April 19, 2026

Also see: Carte Blanche host hospitalised and diagnosed with skin cancer

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