Soweto Gospel Choir
South Africa’s Most Heavenly Voices
FRIDAY, 13TH AUGUST 2004 ANDREA MULLANEY ASSEMBLY ST GEORGE’S WEST (Venue 157) Last year, the choir from the huge South African township made a big name for themselves at the Fringe with the show demonstrating the joyful side of their home. The singing was lovely, though at times they seemed a little taken aback by...
“Monday evenings rarely see such hyped-up sell out shows during the Festival. Perhaps even rarer is being subject to aggressive looks from people who don’thave tickets while you clasp your own to your bosom and gently finger ‘999’ on your mobile – just in case. So what’s the fuss? Soweto Gospel Choir are a dynamic...
“You don’t have to be a believer to be inspired by the Soweto Gospel Choir: an appreciation of superb singing is all that is required. The 24-strong line-up, decked out in vividly coloured traditional attire, perform a headily uplifting mix of traditional African gospel with popular borrowings such as Amazing Grace and Jimmy Cliff’s Many...
A single voice in song carries its own emotional force. But how much more powerful is that voice multiplied at least 30 times, pitched in range from baritone to alto against a background of infectious drumming or rippling guitar sounds? Add to the blend some colourful costuming, the sway of bodies and prancing feet and...
It is rare to go to a concert knowing nothing about the artists or their music and come away feeling overwhelmed by the performance….The 32-strong choir brought grassroots South African song and dance to a rapturous Town Hall audience… Their voices are strong, clear and harmonious, while their dancing is spontaneous and vibrant. .…Last night’s...
“You can’t live without rhythm. Whether it’s the beat of your heart, the flap of a bird’s wings or the cycle of the seasons, there’s a beat to it. But what I learnt from the Soweto Gospel Choir is that the road to heaven is throbbing with rhythm too….When they sang harmony the chords were...
The 32-strong choir …graced the stage in robes as bright and bold as their voices. As they switched between five languages, a deep pride in their songs and faith shone from their faces, their voices flickering and rising like a flame. The songs and rhythms conjured pictures of wide African planes and leaping antelope. This...
They swayed and swooped. They sang at full throttle. They gyrated and leaped through two hours of exuberant music-making. This amazing ensemble of 33 singers-dancers-musicians whipped up a storm of vocal sound, and a storm of audience excitement. They perform with all their heart, soul and body, and with an easy abandonment welling from the...
While the European tradition of gospel music is about austerity and a personal response to the divine — think of a Bach mass or passion — African gospel music is vibrant, outgoing and a celebration of community. The music is designed to make you get up, dance and wave your arms about — which is...
