“Absolutely thrilling singers… dazzling music” – Billboard
“Sheer jubilation – The Rhythm of Life” – Herald Sun
Formed in 2002, the career achievements of Soweto Gospel Choir are phenomenal. To list but some:
- They have collaborated with Peter Gabriel, U2, John Legend, Robert Plant, Chance the Rapper and Ben Harper.
- They have performed on stage with Celine Dion, Andre Rieu, Bono, Diana Ross, Zahara, and Pharrell Williams.
- They have performed in programs alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Angelique Kidjo, Jimmy Cliff, Youssou N’Dour, Ziggy Marley, and South African superstar Johnny Clegg, including at his farewell concert.
The Choir has performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall London and Nelson Mandela Theatre. Further, they have performed at such important events as the 2009 Academy Awards, Nelson Mandela’s funeral, memorial service in Westminster Abbey, centenary celebrations; Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s funeral (as well as his 75th and 80th birthdays) the FIFA 2009 World Cup opening ceremony in Cape Town and kick-off in Johannesburg; and Winnie Madikileza-Mandela’s memorial service.
In addition to Nelson Mandela and their once patron, Desmond Tutu, they have performed before Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Harry, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and a plethora of TV personalities, celebrities, glitteraties, dignitaries, ambassadors, movie stars and rock stars.
The Choir has also appeared on NBC’s Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Their festival appearances include Edinburgh, Adelaide (Festival and Fringe), Perth, Sydney, Hong Kong, London, WOMADelaide and the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Soweto Gospel Choir has been nominated for five Grammys, an Oscar (with Peter Gabriel), six South African Music Awards (SAMAs), as well as an International Reggae and World Music Award The Choir has been awarded three Grammys in their own right and three associated ones, an Emmy Award, three SAMAs, two American Gospel Awards, the inaugural Tower Music African Gospel Award for best gospel group, and a Helpmann Award.
