Soweto Gospel Choir: the South African choir that took township gospel to the world
The choir walks on stage in bright, colourful costumes. Then the voices begin, rich and layered, with harmonies that seem to rise from the floor. Drums and dance join in. Since its founding in 2002, the Soweto Gospel Choir has carried the sound of South African church music from the townships of Johannesburg to concert halls around the world, winning Grammy Awards along the way.
Soweto, the sound and the Grammys
Soweto, the township south-west of Johannesburg, has a deep musical tradition and a central place in the history of the struggle against apartheid. The choir was formed in 2002, drawing singers from churches and communities around Soweto. The choir sings in several South African languages, combining African gospel, spirituals, traditional songs and popular music.
The choir has won Grammy Awards in the world music category, bringing international recognition. The choir performed with Peter Gabriel on Down to Earth, a song from the film WALL-E that was nominated for an Oscar.
Touring, charity and Mandela
The choir tours widely in Europe, North America and Asia, performing in major venues. The choir has supported charities working with children affected by HIV and AIDS in South Africa. The choir has performed at events honouring Nelson Mandela and celebrating South Africa’s democracy. Colourful costumes and energetic dance are part of every performance. The choir draws on a long South African tradition of choral singing in churches, schools and communities.
The choir’s success has inspired other African choirs to pursue international careers. The choir has released many albums of gospel and traditional music.
Rehearsals, traditional songs and pride
Members train intensively, rehearsing vocal parts, choreography and stagecraft. Many joined the choir after singing in church choirs from childhood, and the group has become a training ground for professional singers. Alongside gospel, the choir performs traditional songs and freedom songs from the apartheid era, connecting faith with South African history. Several of the choir’s albums capture live performances, preserving the energy of its concerts.
In South Africa, the choir is a source of national pride. Soweto was once known to the world for protest and struggle. Its gospel choir has added another image: dozens of voices singing hope in harmony.
