Traveling 8,867 miles from South Africa, the Soweto Gospel Choir will be bringing a taste of what gospel music sounds like when it comes from the motherland! Their unique blend of African gospel with a tropical reggae sound comes to Bryan/College Station on October 30 at 7:30 p.m at Rudder Auditorium.
The Soweto Gospel Choir is made up of just over forty of South Africa’s finest gospel artists and was created to show listeners how African gospel music can inspire listeners all across the globe. Established in November of 2002 by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, the choir started with humble beginnings, releasing their first album “Voices of Heaven” in December of 2002. Within three weeks, the album reached the number one spot on Billboard’s World Music Chart, making them a worldwide phenomenon. The choir continues to sell out concerts even after 16 years.
After their first album, successes came from left and right for this very talented choir. The choir’s powerful voices, accompanied with their ability to move a crowd, has given Soweto Gospel Choir opportunities to perform with legendary performers like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. This talented choir has made guest appearances on “Light Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and sang for Prince Harry during his visit to South Africa. They have won numerous awards: an Emmy, two Grammys, three SAMA and one Oscar nomination.
Along with being an extremely talented choir, their efforts go beyond being successful performers. Soweto Gospel Choir contributes to generous philanthropic work benefitting numerous countries and organizations and notably began one of their own, an AIDS foundation for orphaned children. Nkosi’s Haven Vukani assists organizations that receive little to no funding. For more information about this fierce choir and ticket prices, visit www.sowetogospelchoir.com.
