Blessed

The Soweto Gospel Choir | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 10, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B000C17RH6
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,461 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #9 in Music > World Music > Africa > South Africa
  • #57 in Music > World Music > Africa > General AAS
  • #60 in Music > World Music > Africa > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

As on their now-celebrated debut album, Voices From Heaven, this miraculous ensemble from Johannesburg's notorious/iconic Soweto township moves between Anglican-inspired and gospel-tinged hymns plus assorted home-wrought styles. The selections, performed in four languages including English, are either presented in a cappella arrangements, backed by a guitar band with percussion or wreathed in clapping, stomping and whistles. Soloists Sipokazi Luzipo and Vincent Jiyane are especial stand-outs; the latter's performance on "Weeping" could wring tears from a stone. Other unforgettable moments include "Noyana" and "Thapelo" but it is the more well-known tunes that fully reveal the ensemble’s power to transform. "Oh Happy Day," "Swing Down, Sweet Chariot," "Khumbaya" and Solomon Linda's deathless "Mbube (aka "Wimoweh" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight") are resuscitated and refreshed, as is "Nkosi Sikele'iAfrika," South Africa's soaring national anthem. The atmosphere, while moving, is in no way sad or depressing. In fact, other than the awe-inspiring beauty of the singing, which seems to build a rainbow bridge between this world and the next, the overwhelming impression is of upbeat courage, dignity, grace and hope. --Christina Roden

Product Description

The Soweto Gospel Choir is an all-star aggregation in the vein of Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo of top singers from South Africa's famous township--Soweto. They've achieved breakthrough success in Europe (two sold-out shows at London's Royal Festival Hall!), Africa, and Australia as their exhilarating voices create a blend of extraordinary beauty that thrills audiences everywhere.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, May 31, 2006

By 

Gavin B. (St. Louis MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blessed (Audio CD)

The Soweto Gospel Choir performs gospel music, traditional African music and even pop music using the call and response vocal techniques that are associated with Soweto Township in South Africa. I've never heard this music performed by such a large ensemble of singers and the results are as soulful and deeply inspiring as any music you are likely to hear on this planet of ours.

"Asimbonanga/Biko" is a gorgeous rendering two combined songs, one by popular South African musician Johnny Clegg and the other a tribute to Steven Biko by England's Peter Gabriel. There are English language versions of songs of familiar songs like "I Bid You Goodnight", "Swing Down", "Kumbaya" and a rendition of "Oh Happy Day" that gives the Edwin Hawkins Choir's original version a run for the money. "Mbube" is the version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" which brings it all back home to the African roots of the popular Tokens tune from the Sixties.

There are also some up-tempo tunes like "Njalo" in the ju-ju music tradition which sound quite a bit like the hip shaking socca dance music of played in West Indian nations like Trinidad, Tabago, Bardados and Dominica. "Weeping" sounds like an American pop tune straight from repertoire of a jazzy musical stylist like Roberta Flack or Nora Jones.

As with every previous reviewer I can't think of enough good things to say about the Soweto Gospel Choir. Take me at my word, they are breathtaking.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!!!!!!, February 25, 2006

By 

torri22 (near Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blessed (Audio CD)

What a wonderful choir. I drove two hours to hear them, just for fun. I had no idea what I was in for. I have been to hundreds of concerts in my lifetime, from every style of music ever created. This was one of the best live performances ever to grace this earth. I am going to drive five hours and take my family, so they may experience such wonderful music and a beautiful spiritual connection with God. I cried, smiled, danced, etc. just listening to the cd, just think how moved you'd be if you experienced them live. A+ for music, vocals, harmony, performance, dance, richness in spirit, etc.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BLESSED, March 17, 2006

By 

O. Taylor - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blessed (Audio CD)

I just can't seem to get enough of listening to this CD. From the first song to the last is all good. It is very uplifting. I may not understand the language but I feel the message of the songs in my heart and soul. This is one for your collection.