Soweto Gospel Choir – Review
EP Herald – 19 September 2007

SOWETO’S FINEST LIVE UP TO GRAMMY BILLING
Tabelo Timse

After seeing the Soweto Gospel Choir on SABC in 2005 I vowed that should I ever have the chance of seeing them live, I would. My dream finally came through on Saturday.  I had high expectations – after all this was not just any other group.  It was a Grammy Award-winning outfit.

The first segment of the show was filled with songs that expressed love for God and love for fellow human beings. From traditional African gospel to international and contemporary spirituals, in six languages including English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho – each song had its own unique feature. Although the audience knew most of the songs it was as if they were being heard for the first time, especially the rendition of Amazing Grace.

The show took the audience through an emotional roller coaster.  In Ahuna Ye Tswanang Jesu which means “There is Nobody like Jesus”, people danced and sang thanks to its hip hop and kwaito influences.

The ballad I’ll Remember You  in contrast almost had people in tears.
 “These songs are songs that we sing in the church and in the streets.  These songs are about the human strength” said narrator Siphokazi Luzipo.
The Choir was accompanied by dancers, percussionist and a four piece band.

The second segment comprised songs that expressed other spiritual awareness.  “These are the songs that speak to our souls, not necessarily gospel songs” says Luzipo.

Avulekile Amasango, a Zulu traditional gospel song meaning “the doors of heaven are wide open” and One Love an interpretation of the Bob Marley classic also had everyone on their feet.

In addition, the audience was also treated to a short musical performance with forks, glasses, plates and table as instruments.

The last segment was traditional songs of praise and worship that uplifted the soul.
Numbers included Mighty River, Amazing Grace and Tshepa Thapelo, a Sotho traditional song meaning “trust in prayer”.

The show was creative, inspirational and innovative.  At the end of the performance the choir received a standing ovation with the audience begging for an encore, to which the choir obliged to everyone’s delight.

With beautiful voices and a great performance, the Soweto Gospel Choir brought the house down and charmed PE audience no end.