Soweto Gospel Choir

Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music. The 26 strong choir, under the direction of David Mulovhedzi and beverly Brye draws on the top talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The Scotsman Newspaper exclaimed in its review “Nothing can really prepare you for the riot of exuberance and depth of emotion.” Soweto Gospel Choir draws from the churches and communities in and around South Africa’s most famous township. It mixes earthy rhythms with rich harmonies to uplift the soul and express the energy of South Africa. African gospel originated as a blend of traditional music rooted in song and percussion combined with the influence of 19th century missionary music. From this a new and exciting style of music evolved – African Gospel, celebrating all facets of daily life.

Soweto Gospel Choir through their own charity Vukani raises awareness and funds to support AIDS Orphans. In Edinburgh last year audiences raised £9,000 through collections at the end of each show. This enabled food and essential products to be bought, giving hope and support to communities back in Soweto and surrounding townships. The UK Tour will raise funds for AIDS Orphans. One of the proudest moments in the choir’s short history was taking part in Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Concert in November 2003. Soweto Gospel Choir performed alongside Bono, the Eurythmics, Anastacia, Peter Gabriel and Queen to name a few. Mr Mandela had bought them all together to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Discography

African Spirit

Seteng Sediba Avulekile Amasango / One Love I'll Remember You Ke Na Le Modisa Akahlulwa Lutho Sitting In Limbo / This Little Light Of Mine / M';ilo Vutha Mathanjeni / If Yu ever Needed The Lord Izwi Lahlab'inhiliziyo Yami Africa One Hlohonolofatsa Hosanna Sefapano By The Rivers of Babylon Modimo Balm Of Gilead Forever Young Somlandela Shosholoza World In Union

South Africa's 26-strong, mixed-voice Soweto Gospel Choir draws their talented singers from the churches and communities around Soweto. Their exuberant sound is a blend of traditional music rooted in song and percussion, combined with the influence of 19th century missionary music, called African Gospel. The Choir continually tours the world to standing ovations and sold-out concerts, and has performed with artists from Bono, Peter Gabriel and Queen to Diana Ross, Jimmy Cliff and Johnny Clegg. They are famous for their bright costumes and spirited live performances, and for their fundraisers to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. 18 songs, some accompanied, are here. Traditional tunes "Setend Sediba," "Ke Na Le Modisa," "Izwi Lahlab'Inhiziyo Yami," "Africa," "Sefapano," "Modimo," "Somlandela" and "Shosholoza" are very fine, as is "Avulekile Amasango/Bob Marley's "One Love" medley, Bono's "One," Dylan's "I'll Remember You" and "Forever Young," and "Sitting in Limbo/This Little Light of Mine/M'Lilo Vutha Mathanjeni/If You Ever Needed the Lord" medley. Every cut on "Spirit" is a joy, as is looking at the pictures of these beautiful, powerful singers!

Listen to By The Rivers of Babylon in Real Audio

Blessed

Shewane Asimbonanga/Biko Jiko Yahao A Place In Heaven Njalo I Bid You Goodnight LeLilungelo Ngelakho Oh Happy Day Noyana Masigiyae'bo Swing Down Weeping Thapelo Woza Meli Wami Mbube Tshepa Thapelo Khumbaya South African National Anthem

Soweto Gospel Choir is the most successful and exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa Since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Blessed", a follow up to their number 1 Billboard World Charts debut album "Voices From Heaven," takes their irresistible blend of traditional South African music, gospel and inspirational pop one step further. With some awe-inspiring South African hymns and great versions of such classics as "Oh Happy Day," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Khumbaya." The Soweto Gospel Choir with their intricate harmonies and soulful singing will beckon all to reclaim their spirit.

Listen to Swing Down in Real Audio

Voices From Heaven

Jikela Emaweni Vuma Thina Simnqobile Zanele Paradise Road Ahuna Ya Yswanag Le Jesu/Kammatia Many Rivers to Cross/Going Down Jordan/Amen (Medley) Amazing Grace Thula Baba Sikulandile Malaika Hlanganani Bayete Jerusalem Holy City/Bayete (Medley) African Dream

The 25 mixed-voice Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from many churches and communities in and around Soweto, and is truly an "all-star" Gospel ensemble. Like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the SGC has strong roots in traditional music and celebrates the vitality of South Africa with its powerful spiritual message. They've achieved breakthrough success in Europe (two sold-out shows at London's Royal Festival Hall!), Africa and Australia, and their sellout runs in 2003 and 2004 were the surprise hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. "Voices" is the SGC's debut recording, and it includes an irresistible mix of traditional South African secular and gospel songs, American gospel material such as "Amazing Grace," and stirring inspirational tunes such as "Many Rivers to Cross," sung in English as well as Zulu. Some tracks are breathtaking a cappella, while others are upbeat tracks with instrumental backing. A massive tour of the US is accompanying the launch of "Voices" in early 2005, most notably Carnegie Hall in NYC, Sanders Theatre in Boston and the Robert Frost Center in Atlanta. "Voices" is an impressive, powerful, joyous debut CD for the Soweto Gospel Choir!

Blessed (DVD)

Shewane Asimbonanga/Biko Jiko Yahao A Place In Heaven Njalo I Bid You Goodnight LeLilungelo Ngelakho Oh Happy Day Noyana Masigiyae'bo Swing Down Weeping Thapelo Woza Meli Wami Mbube Tshepa Thapelo Khumbaya South African National Anthem

Soweto Gospel Choir is the most successful and exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa Since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Blessed", a follow up to their number 1 Billboard World Charts debut album "Voices From Heaven," takes their irresistible blend of traditional South African music, gospel and inspirational pop one step further. With some awe-inspiring South African hymns and great versions of such classics as "Oh Happy Day," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Khumbaya." The Soweto Gospel Choir with their intricate harmonies and soulful singing will beckon all to reclaim their spirit.

Listen to Swing Down in Real Audio

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