Balleilakka – Stellenbosch University Choir

Balleilakka – Allahrakka Rahman (1967 - , India)
Arranged by Ethan Sperry
Conducted by André van der Merwe

Balleilakka is a popular song from the Tamil film “Sivaji” – “The Boss”.
The text is a tongue-twister, lamenting how traditional Indian culture is being subsumed,
listing the speaker’s memories of his homeland in increasingly faster syllabic patterns.

Choreography: Jordan Cridland & Chulu Makapela
Percussion: Liyema Jacobs; Siba Gobe; Kamva Tshekela & Karabo Dinelelo

Recording Technician: Gerhard Roux
Videography: Jorrie van der Walt (DOP, Empty Canvas Productions)
Video Editing: Charl Folscher (Empty Canvas Productions)
Post Production Supervisor: Wilhelm Conradie (Lemon Slice Post)
Colourist: Henry Rheeder

Recorded on 6 October 2024 in Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University Konservatorium.

[cath]

Andre van de Merwe is a brilliant choir master, and this is, without a doubt, one of the best choirs in the world!

[Arunkumaru]

Wonderful .. Thanks a lot guys taking up our Tamil language song composed by our great A R Rahman from movie Sivaji .. love you all

[JasonBournee]

What a beautiful performance. The pronunciations are hard for non natives and this was done with such precision. Any person of Tamil will feel privileged to hear this rendition. Amazing.

[phutipontsho]

The choreography, the vocals, the execution, the camera quality…… chefs kiss 😍🔥🔥🔥

[nicolemashozhera]

At this point they’re just showing off. So good

[sahana]

Wonderful!! I am a Tamil student in Cape Town and this brought a smile to my face!

[Fortune_Masha]

The group changes as time goes on but the performances remain spectacular. Maestro Van de Merwe is a genius.

[marymathews]

Indeed a masterpiece by Stellenbosch choir. Not an easy language to manage. Just wow!! I'm from Kerala close to Tamil Nadu.

[judithmahlangu]

We need this song on streaming platforms!! 😭😭❤️ I will forever sing the praises of Andre and the talented people who sing in this choir every year!

[esnb]

These performances restore my faith in humanity. I treasure the Stellenbosch University Choir and Andre van der Merwe. Thank you. I am reminded there is good in the world, again, and again.

[skerminkel]

André van der Merwe, the Rassie Erasmus of South African performing arts.

[elainegeojy]

Truly Mindblown!! it was brilliantly done! The song such a tongue twister and really hard to achieve with such precision. So inpiring. Love and only love from India!

[mohaukobeli]

As long as it is this choir, I just listen 🇿🇦🇿🇦Stellenbosch university you are our pride 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[geitenkampsejos]

The best YouTube has to offer-very, very good ! Hello from the Netherlands !

[mauromilani]

For some years now, undoubtedly the best choir in the world and this song is proof of that. Compliments to the director

[MorganMoodley-vv]

This is another level. The conductor and choir was on fire. Being an A R Rahman fan I can honestly say that he will be blown away.🙏🙏🙏Nanri

[alexilupin]

Oh my goodness the precision of that diction in unison!!

[Aksel]

The men sound amazing - best performance of this song yet.

[Kokets]

Can’t begin to imagine the amount of time it took to put this piece together😯🙊

[shrayaarchary]

Amazing, actual goosebumps! From a fellow Matie, and a Tamil girl growing up with this song. You have made my heart happy.