About Ubuntu
Ubuntu of Burman University is a 40-voice choral ensemble composed of students, community members, and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Since it began in 2019, the choir has performed annually on campus and travelled across North America and the Caribbean, sharing our music with a diverse range of audiences.
Ubuntu is an African philosophy best captured in the statement: I am because we are. It asserts that my humanity is caught up, inextricably wound up, in yours. We believe a person is a person through other persons. It is not "I think, therefore, I am.” Rather, it says: I am human because I belong, I participate, and I share. We celebrate the image of God in all people and strive to reflect our Creator in the pursuit of community and excellence.
A person who embraces this philosophy is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for she or he has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that she or he belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are oppressed or treated as if they were less than who they are.
Ubuntu of Burman University adopts this philosophy as a way of life that affirms and celebrates the contribution of all those on whose shoulders we stand. The people we are is because of other people, and this is why we tell their stories through song. We particularly enjoy teaching this way of life and telling stories through Negro Spirituals, Gospel, African American church music, and showcasing the contributions of Black composers to the tapestry that is choral music. Carl Cunningham, Ubuntu’s Creative Director, is supported by Bruce Ruzindana, Ubuntu’s Assistant Director, and a team of student conductors and accompanists.
Help Us Minister in Jamaica
From February 14 -21, 2027, we are excited to embark on an extraordinary journey to Kingston, Jamaica. While there, we will present uplifting concerts in churches and conduct transformative music workshops in academies. This is more than a trip to perform music -- for us, it's a mission where we get to share a message of hope through the powerful medium of music.
To help make this mission possible, your support is invaluable. With a total goal of $88,000, each member of Ubuntu is committed to helping raise the funds needed to make this trip possible. Your gift of any amount will help make this ministry a success!
Your support of Ubuntu goes beyond the value of the gift. You are helping build bridges of hope in the communities we visit. More than that, you become an integral part of our collective journey, making the experience richer for everyone involved.
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY and be part of the Ubuntu experience.
Ubuntu 2026 - 2027 Members
| Soprano 1 Pretha Garnett* Maria Guzman Joelle Hedgecock Angeline Nicolas Zandren Soria Rochelle Thompson | Soprano 2 Abigail Magbago Jemma Muhima Ramiah Radlein Kara Tacloy | Alto 1 Melaya Armson Brynae Finley Pasha Grant Hannah Amankwah Keani Bacalso Abigail Oliphant Melissa Clarke Vennassa Cunningham* | Alto 2 Eliany Cerritos Donesha Cooper* Shovonna Watson Rosshellyn Etienne |
| Tenor 1 Jeremy Agyei Rydaniel Windstor Gabriel Siago Nathaniel Pinnock Gabriel Manhilot | Tenor 2 Joshua Martin Kevin Brenyah Zayne Ford Shawn Sundaresan | Baritone Alexander Parchment Jayden Cassimy Robert Remy Boris Ruzindana Ajay Gordon | Bass Joshel Etienne Malachi Watson Thamu Gumede Terrence Previlon IV* Jallah Karbah* |
Creative Director: Carl Cunningham
Assistant Director & Accompanist: Bruce Ruzindana
Managers: Tyler Saunders and Fanilo Rakotonarivelo
* Community Members
Donate
- Online HERE
- E-transfer to: donation@burmanu.ca (note "Ubuntu" in the memo)
- By cheque, made out to Burman University (note "Ubuntu" in the memo)
Mailing address: 6730 University Drive, Lacombe, AB, T4L 2E5 - By contacting the Office of Advancement. Please call Shannon at 1.800.661.8129 x 8 or 403.782.3381 ext. 4161.
Your gift is tax-deductible
Contact Info
Email: ubuntu@burmanu.ca
Phone: (647)405-0695
IG: ubuntu.choir
Youtube: Ubuntu of Burman University
Facebook: Ubuntu of Burman University