With their concert entitled Peace, the multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir return to Walton Arts Center to perform a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics. The inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more! Formed in 2002, the Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is “undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality” (San Francisco Classical Voice).
Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Soweto Gospel Choir excites audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes and infectious spirit. It’s perfect for the entire family and you have once chance to see them Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4 pm.
Soweto Gospel Choir are presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community. We asked group member Bongani Ncube 10 questions to get to know their group before the performance.
What can audiences expect when they come to see this performance?
Audiences should expect fireworks made of beautiful African harmonies, rhythm and movement.
What message do you hope to send to the world, or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?
The message we carry is one of Peace. Peace in the midst of storms of life.
Where do you find inspiration?
Our inspiration stems from many stories we extract from life and from the Bible. It also comes from knowing that others made it and so can we. It also comes from our rich heritage and culture.
What drew you to this performance field?
Coming from a family that appreciates and supports music, the inherent love for music and the willingness to learn new things drew me to the performance field.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
Yes! We do have pre-show practices we partake in. Singing praises to our Lord God Almighty, prayer and sharing a word of encouragement daily (word of the day) are just some of the pre-show rituals we take part in.
Pick 5 words that best describe your work.
Rhythm, song, movement, heritage, excellence.
What is the best advice that you have been given?
Staying in the lane of excellence and finding joy in it.
Whom do you define as visionary, and why?
I would say Nelson Mandela and Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu, who were both Nobel prize winners from the same street in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?
The most unique was when the whole audience in Fiji of over five thousand people sang every song in our repertoire word for word. It was as if they learned that at school.
What songs, artists, or genres of music are you currently listening to?
Personally, I listen to Afro-Latin (Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean and a lot of African music in general). However, I do listen to what most of the choir listens to as well, to be in sync with the style and approach to our music production.
