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 the Edinburgh audiences’ polite attention during the songs, rather than the more ebullient participation they might be used to.
Now they’re back, with even brighter costumes, and either they’ve got used to the quieter reception here or we’ve loosened up because this year’s concert is more relaxed, less reverential show.
They make a large noise, filling the hall with just 20 voices, handclaps and two drummers. With little introduction, they present a variety of styles, switching between languages and moving from traditional African melodies to some which sound more R&B, as well as more conventional gospel arrangements of well known songs in English.
The voices never ever falter, blending perfectly, swelling up like irrepressible emotion. Most of the choir have solos which demonstrate great variety in tone and style, while some are illustrated with dance as the younger men compete in the “I-can-kick-higher-than-you-can” move.
These are mostly devotional songs, even including a version of the perennial church favorite kumbayah. But there’s nothing too straight laced about the booty-shaking dance to a wicked tribal drum beat.
Of the familiar songs, a wistful version of Peter Gabriel’s Biko is a reminder that less than two decades ago, such a choir could never have performed so freely at home or traveled for this kind of engagement, while their pride shines as they sing the rousing national anthem Nkosi Sikele I’Afrika.
The Soweto Gospel Choir is truly inspirational, but that’s not the reason they deserve five starts. Those are simply for a flawless performance.
