Biography

Mixing African gospel with traditional hymns, freedom songs, and a variety of international styles, the Soweto Gospel Choir creates a powerful expression of hope and joy. Since forming in the early 2000s, the group has performed around the world while releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums including 2007's African Spirit and 2018's Freedom, both of which won Grammy Awards. Released in 2022, the choir's sixth effort, Hope, was a moving concept album based around Civil Rights. The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2002 by choir directors David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer. Comprising 30-some members, the choir's repertoire was diverse from the very start; hymns and uplifting African gospel anthems were paired with reggae and even the occasional pop or folk song, all sung in richly layered group harmony. Their debut album, Voices from Heaven, appeared in 2005 on the Shanachie Records label and topped the Billboard World Music chart. Over the next few years, the choir toured widely, performing for Nelson Mandela at the inaugural 46664 benefit concert in Cape Town, and making numerous appearances in North America where they were enthusiastically received. Their next two albums, 2006's Blessed and 2007's African Spirit, each won Grammy Awards for Best Traditional World Music Album. As collaborators, the Soweto Gospel Choir's versatility allowed them to perform with a range of artists including Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel, Diana Ross, Johnny Clegg, and U2. Following the 2009 death of co-founder and musical director David Mulovhedzi, the group performed at the FIFA World Cup in Cape Town and earned another Grammy Award for their contribution to composer Christopher Tin's song "Baba Yetu." After the release of their fourth studio album, 2010's Grace, the choir spent several years touring the world, then celebrated their first ten years with the 2013 anthology, Divine Decade. 2018's Freedom album earned the Soweto Gospel Choir yet another Grammy Award and they continued to expand their stylistic reach by collaborating with Chance the Rapper. As the group moved into the next decade they began an ambitious new project. 2022's Hope, their sixth album overall, was a concept album that combined inspirational songs from America's Civil Rights movement with South African anti-apartheid anthems. ~ Timothy Monger & Steve Leggett, Rovi