The Advertiser / Adelaide Now
Feb 28, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★
Gluttony — The Flamingo
SINCE 1976, Soweto has signified youth, protest and pride in language and culture.
On this occasion, the Soweto Gospel Choir honoured Nelson Mandela in an inspirational concert of song, story, music and dance. All 18 sing and dance. Many play instruments (keyboard, handheld percussion, djembe and dundun drums).
They sing brilliantly — from traditional South African songs in multiple languages to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. There’s a perky bracket of gospel songs, and a great version of Mbongeni Ngema’s majestic Rolihlahla Mandela.
Dance and choreography are strong and confident, but it’s the voices … they are both technically well-based and cheerfully uninhibited, producing a constantly energised quality.
Basses, baritones and altos lay solid sonic foundations for all the rest. Although vocal fatigue is apparent in a few singers, the net effect of this performance is joyful exhilaration.
