GOSPEL choir the Soweto Spiritual Singers has a reputable international profile and has collaborated with US singer Robert Kelly. Shockingly, the group is yet to have a full show locally - until now
Even though the group has been touring the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany every year, Soweto Spiritual Singers is relatively unknown locally.
Group director Vicky Vilakazi says the ensemble will get their first platform to stage a show on March 30 at the Christian Revival Church in Kimberley.
Vilakazi believes that local promoters and sponsors do not trust or appreciate their own talent. "It's funny that international promoters come here to recruit these choirs. On our side, it is difficult to stage a show because the choir is big and you need sponsors to do that," she says.
Soweto Spiritual Singers will feature artists such Nokukhanya Dlamini, Vicky, Brian Temba, Soweto Boys Classic and Henry B.
"We are excited because people will finally see this concept called Soweto Spiritual Singers. The show will be for about three hours and will comprise a story-line. We take you down memory lane and show how this country is so diversified when it comes to religion," Vilakazi says.
Defining their style, she says: "Our music is truly inspirational, a shout of joy, a towering onslaught of exuberance with earthy rhythms and rich harmonies to uplift the soul. We fuse township culture and its influence in modern spiritual music . and all this forms part of our journey of praise as we dance, clap, shout and ululate."
Vilakazi says after their collaboration with Robert Kelly during the 2010 World Cup, international invitations started pouring in. She says they have been frequenting the Netherlands. In August, they are going back.
"Whenever we go to Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium, our shows are sold out three months before."
The group was founded in 2005 by Vilakazi, Nkululeko Vilakazi, Gift Vilakazi-Ledimo and Thabo Ledimo.
No comments:
Post a Comment