Five men from Zambia — who tour the country singing a mixture of gospel, African and even humorous songs — will perform at Central Christian Church on Sunday.

They call themselves the Zambian Vocal Group and they have raised money to build a school for orphans in the community of Chainda in their homeland.

The Zambian Vocal Group has raised money to build a school for orphans in the community of Chainda in their homeland.

They now pursue pledges for medical facilities there.

“They are just incredible,” said Justin Jack, church administrator at Central Christian, 4901 Lake Shore Drive. “They stopped by the church one day to ask about taking part in one of our services. They began to sing, to give a demonstration, and people couldn’t resist leaving their offices to listen.”

The group, which recently returned to the United States from a trip to Zambia, put Central Christian Church on its schedule.

Once called Zambian Acapella, the men perform without musical accompaniment.

“They can create the sounds of drums and other instruments with their singing. They are inspirational,” said Joe Fauss, founder and president of the Calvary Commission based in Lindale.

The 34-year-old entity organizes mission trips to foreign countries and works closely with the Zambian Vocal Group.

“We were just there, in Chainda, and the school now will accommodate 290 students,” Fauss said. “We take these trips so churches who host the vocal group can see where their love offerings are going.”

James Mbewe, founder of the vocal group, is employed at the University of Texas at Tyler. He said he no longer gets involved in booking visits in this country, but helps with foreign travel.

He said the group’s music is a fusion of gospel and African, “which makes for a unique combination.”

Zambian Acapella began performing in 1985 in a small church in the community of Kalingalinga.

A missionary discovered the group in 1989, and the members began touring in the United States four years later.

By 2000, the group had gotten smaller and its members were attending Navarro College in Corsicana.

It took on the name of Zambian Vocal Group and began touring exclusively to build a school for orphans in Chainda. The group created a nonprofit organization, called Teach One, to help with fundraising efforts.

The group performs at churches, conventions, schools and teachers’ conferences.

“They have been a big hit at Dollywood, performing several days in row,” said Fauss, referring to the theme park that entertainer Dolly Parton founded in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The morning worship service at Central Christian Church begins at 10:30 Sunday. After brief announcements, the Zambian Vocal Group will take over the service, Jack said.

The public is invited to attend at no charge, but the church will take up a special offering.

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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