The Soweto Gospel Choir have received news that they have been nominated for a Grammy… just days after performing with Beyoncé!
Johannesburg, Soweto (9 December 2018) – The Soweto Gospel Choir are known for their versatile style and ability to turn any sound into a melody. The Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa, by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, in November 2002. The more than 30-member ensemble blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae and American popular music. The group performed at the first of the 46664 concerts for Nelson Mandela and has since toured internationally several times.
Social media was recently abuzz about the performance with Beyoncé during her show at the Global Citizen: Mandela 100 concert, held in South African on Sunday the 2 December 2018.
Global Citizen brought together its largest contingency of heads of state, dignitaries, a group of the world’s most talented artists and influencers, and thousands of global citizens to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela.
Responding to Nelson Mandela’s call for us to be the generation to end extreme poverty, artists and leaders were joined by Global Citizens who’ve taken action on the Global Citizen social advocacy platform to earn their free tickets to the festival at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
“Over 5.65M actions led to 58 commitments and announcements worth $7,207,436,824 (R163,089,720,094), set to affect the lives of 137,368,628 people.”
The Soweto Gospel Choir invited the Mzansi Youth Choir to join forces with them in this unique performance of “Halo” with Beyoncé, complete with additional lyrics in isiZulu.
Watch the incredible video below. We have added a Facebook and Twitter video as the Facebook settings may be region-blocked, if the full version (Facebook version) doesn’t play automatically, please click here):
Beyoncé performing “Halo” with a South African Choir. #GlobalCitizen pic.twitter.com/SkRsTmxun6
— BEY HUB (@thebeyhub) December 2, 2018
Their strong vocals and moving music have set them apart over the years and just days after performing with Beyoncé, they have received news that they have been nominated for another Grammy award!
“This is our fifth nomination! Our album Freedom doesn’t only have the best music, it also honours Nelson Mandela and carries a strong message about the past history of South Africa.
We are so thrilled and wish all the other nominees good luck – and special good luck to the choir. We can’t wait for the Grammy Awards Ceremony on 10 February.”
In 2010 composer Christopher Tin’s song “Baba Yetu”, which featured the group, won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The song had originally been produced for Firaxis Games’s 2005 PC title Civilization IV, but Tin enlisted the Soweto Gospel Choir to re-record the song for inclusion on his debut album, Calling All Dawns, leading to the song’s nomination and award.
This marked the first time a video game composition had won or been nominated for the category and the first win for the Soweto Gospel Choir.
South Africa is holding thumbs that they can do it again!
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