RootsTech Connect expands its Keynote Speakers and Performers

 

RootsTech Connect 2021 is dramatically and internationally expanding its lineup of Keynote speakers and Performers. The free online conference will be held from February 25th to the 27th, 2021. The newly announced lineup is on the Keynote speaker page of the RootsTech.org website. You can register for the free conference on the RootsTech.org website. 

Keynote speakers

There are presently eight speakers announced. In addition, here are the current performers. You need to go on YouTube.com and listen to these fabulous singing groups. All of the below came from email announcements sent out by FamilySearch.org

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 

This year, RootsTech Connect 2021 is proud to announce that 5-time Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo is joining the lineup of keynote speakers. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this group perform and feel the impact of their story and heritage.

What Is Ladysmith Black Mambazo?

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a male acapella group that performs in the musical traditions of their South African homelands. The choir is well-known for performing in Zulu styles, highlighting their roots through their rhythms and harmonies.

bless4 as Keynote speakers and performers

bless4 is a pop group formed by four Kawamitsu siblings—Akashi, Kanasa, Akino, and Aiki. Although all of the siblings except for Akashi were born in the United States, the family moved to Okinawa in 1997 when their father, Haru, felt a longing for the place where he grew up.

In 2003, the siblings formed bless4 and debuted with their single “Good Morning! Mr. Sunshine.” The group hasn’t slowed down since. Since its formation, bless4 has released 3 albums and 10 singles. In the 18 years since their initial debut, the Kawamitsu siblings continue to impress audiences around the world with their musical talent.

Here is another speaker that is not on the list above. 

Bruna Benites Keynote speaker

Bruna Beatriz Benites Soares was born on 16 October 1985 in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Shortly thereafter she met her first soccer ball. We’d like to give you a detailed description of her very first goal, but the truth of the matter is, our researchers have thus far been unsuccessful in uncovering the story.

Let’s just say that she scored lots of goals growing up and that it didn’t take a genius to see that the youth had talent.   

Will Hopoate Keynote speaker

William Hopoate was born in 1992 in New South Wales, Australia, and is of Tongan descent. Hopoate is also known as “Viliami” in Tongan, but he often goes by the nickname of “Hoppa.”

Hopoate began playing for the National Rugby League (NRL) when he was 18 years old. He started his professional career playing for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

The emcee of RootsTech Connect will be Nick Barrett.

Nick is a historian. He has been one since he was young. Pursuing his early interest in history has led him to notable achievements. To list a few: obtaining a Ph.D. in history from King’s College in London, becoming University of Nottingham’s Honorary Associate Professor in Public History, completing several genealogical and historical research books, and becoming president of the Federation of Family History Societies.

Tita the Soccer Star Keynote speaker

Tita, also known as Milton Queiroz da Paixão, is known as one of Brazil’s best soccer players in its history. He was only 18 when he entered the professional league Flamengo, which was Brazil’s most popular team at the time. Tita is well-known for playing the forward position.

At the young age of 20, Tita was named Brazil’s Soccer Selection while playing for Brazil’s national team. During his time on the team, Brazil’s national team won the 1989 Copa America. Tita continued playing, and he participated in the 1990 World Cup, where his team made it to round 16.

He played in 32 international matches for the national Brazil team between 1979 and 1990 and scored six goals. In his club career, he scored over 135 goals.

Tita went on to play for clubs in Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Guatemala. He played with soccer legends such as Zico and helped Bayer Leverkusen win its first cup. He has also supported Flamengo throughout his career, helping them in their most successful season.