Soweto Spiritual Singers is a 27 strong member vocal ensemble, accompanied by a 6-piece band, dancers and drummers (African Drums). A very versatile group that can be at home with non-musical instruments performance, as is with musical instruments.
Their Music is truly inspirational, a shout of Joy, a towering onslaught of exhiberance with earthy rhythms, rich harmonies to uplift the soul. A truly ULTIMATE GOSPEL EXPERIENCE. |
BACKGROUND
Soweto Spiritual Singers is formed of an indigenous talent from SOWETO; It came out of quest from the people of (SOWETO) to tell their stories as experienced by them and to celebrate this great place (TOWNSHIP) of ours, Our journey from the 1976 uprising to the many men and women this great place has produced. It is an inspirational and emotional journey as we sing all forms of Gospel genres to represent different voices that kept us going in those times.
We sing songs in celebration of indigenous African- Christian Churches, we sing songs from WESLEY (METHODIST CHURCH), CHORAL MUSIC, AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPIRITUALS, ZCC AND SHEMBE to mention a few. A true celebration and unifying sounds as we sing all this genres in one accord and voice, with the fusion of the township culture and its influence in our modern church music, all this forms part of our 90 minutes journey of praise as we dance, clap, shout and ululate.
Gospel Music has, from time memorial being part of our daily lives in South Africa; different Ministers of the Gospel were supportive of our struggle by opening their places of worship as safe havens for the youth that ran from security Police.
His Grace Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Father Huddleston, Reverent Frank Chikane, Chief Albert Luthuli was a Minister of the gospel, Minister Allan Boesak and Apostle Heilbron Vilakazi, founder of a youth movement in the 1970’s known as Young Ambassadors that gave birth to leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa, Lybon Mabasa, Strike Thukoana to mention but a few.
“ Nkosi Sikel’ iAfrica” [God Bless Africa] was written as a hymn in the 1890’s by a Minister called Enoch Sontonga, It was later to be adopted by the Revolutionary Movements (Anti- Apartheid) in their meetings. It is now South African National Anthem and many other countries in the SADC region.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- We have secured a EU tour to the Netherlands, March 21 2009 for a Month and underway-busy Recording our 1st Album in 2008.
- Second tour will be in Europe too, from September 2009 for 3months, we will be touring Belgium, France, Holland, Germany and possibly the UK (UK not confirmed yet)
- We have performed at the opening of SOWETO’S biggest Mall the Maponya Mall
- June 16 Celebrations in 2006
CHARITIES
We envisage to form partnerships with different charity organizations and to use our international tours to raise not only awareness but also funds to support charities.
We intent to make an indomitable impact in the lives of ordinary South Africans
Soweto Spiritual Singers has identified the following charities as potential partners
- Positive Living (HIV & AIDS)
- 46664 Foundation (HIV & AIDS)
- Reach for your Dream Foundation (CANCER)
- Child line (ABUSE and NEGLECT)
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