Soweto Gospel Choir

By Ben Stephens.

As far gospel choirs go, some really hit a spot with me, throwing all those feels out there, really making me want to belt out a solid Ave Maria. Others make me want to move to Africa and really get into the soul/gospel scene and become apart of the crusade of social engagement.

Flights to the the South African capital, Jo’berg, are currently sitting around 1300 clams, so luckily, for one night only, the Sydney Opera House and Andrew Kay present to the good people of Sydney, The Soweto Gospel Choir, in the flesh.

The SGC as they are not known, are a 30-member strong ensemble, hailing from Soweto, a township situated just outside of the bustle of Johannesburg. The group was founded in the early 2000’s by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, two choir directors. In 2007 and 2008 the Soweto Gospel Choir went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album with their albums Blessed and African Spirit. In 2009 the group performed along side Peter Gabriel at the Academy Awards with the song Down to Earth, which was nominated for Best Song. I could go on and tell you how they played for the British Royal Family, President Obama and in Mandela’s 46664 concert series, but it all seems second best to their Grammy domination.

This little light of mine, Many Rivers to Cross and Oh Happy Days are only just a number of covers that the choir will no doubt wrap you up in. Alongside the covers, there will be the traditional African songs that have been passed down from the generations before, that will no doubt bring you to your feet when they hit the Opera House in late July. Be sure to grab your tickets for what will be a very emotive and very bright concert on the website.

The Soweto Gospel Choir is at the Sydney Opera House on July 31, 2016.