Éliane Muland and Esther Mwinkeu, members of the New Covenant United Methodist Choir, record music at a new church studio in Manika, Congo. The choir’s members raised money to build the new studio and a rehearsal room that can be rented out to community groups. The income will support the ministries of the choir’s home church, Jerusalem United Methodist. Photo by Jenovic Mandandj, UM News.
UM News | August. 20, 2025
Key points :
- The New Covenant United Methodist Choir in Congo raised nearly $50,000 to set up a recording studio and rehearsal room.
- The studio includes a soundproof booth, quality microphones and other tools to enhance music production.
- Access to the studio will be open to choirs from other churches and the community for a fee, which will support the church’s ministries.
LUBUMBASHI, Congo — A new spiritual and musical breath is radiating from the parish of Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Manika.
The local church’s New Covenant United Methodist Choir has inaugurated a modern audio recording studio that will benefit its members and the broader community.
Choir members raised $49,500 USD to enable the construction of two modern facilities at the Jerusalem church in Lubumbashi: a space for musical creation and a rehearsal space that reflects the rigor and spiritual excellence of the choir.
Founded in 1964, New Covenant is one of the oldest and most respected United Methodist choirs in the region.
According to choir president Joseph Kantenga, the studio is the result of faith and perseverance.
“The main difficulty was the lack of financial means in a difficult economic context,” Kantenga said.
However, thanks to the commitment of its members and their regular small contributions, the project was able to see the light of day. Fundraising was entirely internal, with members contributing voluntarily according to their means, he said.
Belodie Musombu sings during a recording session at Jerusalem United Methodist Church’s new studio in South Congo. Musombu is a member of the church’s New Covenant United Methodist Choir, which raised nearly $50,000 to build the modern recording studio. It includes a soundproof booth, high-quality microphones and other equipment. Photo by Jenovic Mandandj, UM News.
The new studio is equipped with professional-quality equipment, including condenser microphones, audio interface, production software, a mixing desk and soundproof booth.
“(The equipment) will considerably improve the clarity, sound accuracy and production of our songs,” Kantenga said.
The choir is already planning to record its next album and welcome partner groups.
“This studio is also seen as an essential tool for encouraging musical creation and the training of young talent, offering them a space to express themselves and develop their gifts,” he said.
The Rev. Élie Musombu Ntambu, district superintendent, said the Christian music recording studio is a blessing and a tool for the church.
“It will have a significant spiritual and community impact,” Ntambu said. “It will not only serve the spiritual edification of the faithful through inspired singing, but also the influence of our church in the community, while encouraging financial autonomy and the development of our local talents.”
He said The United Methodist Church fully supports the initiative, providing spiritual guidance, talent networking and promoting its use by other groups to strengthen self-financing, noting that the studio income will help support church activities.
Bwana Bonifaste, vice secretary, called the studio a great blessing.
“It will attract other choirs and strengthen our outreach,” he said.
The soprano section of the New Covenant United Methodist Choir poses for a photo after recording a song in the church’s new South Congo studio. The studio is seen as a tool for spiritual outreach and self-sustainability. Photo by Jenovic Mandandj, UM News.
Another recording studio had previously been installed in the region thanks to Connexio support, and Ntambu acknowledged that this is a growing dynamic in music production by The United Methodist Church.
Access to the studio is open to all choirs and musical groups in the church for a modest contribution toward its upkeep. Details will be communicated by the Jerusalem United Methodist parish.
Kantenga expressed his gratitude and determination to make the studio a reality.
“This studio is much more than a recording studio. It’s a symbol of our faith, our unity and our ability to build for the future. We invite all choirs to use it to amplify their message.”
Choir members expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the project.
“God has provided, and we are already seeing the fruits of our unity and perseverance,” Gaby Mutombo said.
Marthe Nkongal said she is delighted to be able to record with better quality and at lower cost, while Margalin Naweji pointed out the studio also will save choir members time.
“No more long waits elsewhere,” she said. “Here, we move forward at our own pace.”
Choir vice treasurer Kuta Kaji emphasized the autonomy gained.
“We’ll be able to rehearse and correct on site, without depending on an external studio.”
The recording studio is more than a technical infrastructure, Kantenga said. “It represents a symbol of faith, unity and vision for the Manika United Methodist church community, promising a future rich in musical creations and spiritual development.”
At the inauguration ceremony, held just after Sunday worship, Ntambu said the studio will serve to transmit the word of God.
“This studio is a valuable tool that will enable many talents in the Methodist Church and beyond to convey the Word of God through music. We must make good use of it.”
Marie Samba, a chorister for 15 years, agreed, calling the new studio a dream come true.
“We sing with more pride,” she said, “because our message will go further.”
Jenovic Mandandj is a communicator at the South West Katanga Conference.