History of the Soweto Gospel Choir

The Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved major success in South Africa and overseas by combining its earthly rhythms and rich harmonies. The choir's desire to spread its message of hope throughout the world has led to numerous awards and international recognition.

History

The origins of the Soweto Gospel Choir came in 2002 when a few Australian promoters traveled to Johannesburg for a show known as Umoja. Impressed by what they saw, the promoters decided to form a gospel group to tour Australia.

Significance

According to the choir's executive producer and director, Beverly Bryer, the decision to name the choir after the well-known township of Soweto was in part due to the township's historical background. Soweto is known for its rich talent of singers and dancers.

Function

While the choir sings in six of the 11 official languages of South Africa, on its CDs the group mostly sings in English, Zulu or Sotho.

Geography

In the beginning, the members were only made of residents of Soweto. But today the choir that tour internationally holds auditions all across South Africa for new singers.

Effects

The choir has won two Grammy awards in the best traditional world music category, for its albums, "Blessed" in 2007 and "African Spirit" in 2008. The South African Music Awards, American Gospel Music Awards, Metro FM Awards and Best Gospel Group Awards are among its many other honors.

Fun Fact

The choir's performance of "Down to Earth"--the theme song for the film "Wall-E"--at the 81st Academy Awards made the choir the first South African group to perform at the Oscars.

References

• Soweto Gospel Choir Official Site
• South Africa