Soweto Gospel Choir Interview

Though they may look like just another South African gospel choir, but Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music. Known for their bright uniforms and their energetic performances, we were honoured with the opportunity to interview this dynamic group of people and finding out what’s below the surface. Enjoy!!!

YV: Describe Soweto Gospel Choir in 5 words

SGC: A South African Music Phenomenon

YV: Who are the main founders of the choir?

SGC: The choir was founded by the late David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer

YV: What sets you aside from other gospel choirs?

SGC: What sets us apart is that we are a gospel choir that sings all genres of music and gives each song a specific Soweto Gospel Choir sound, mixing traditional with western harmonies.

YV: What are some of your main problems as a choir?

SGC: There are many different personalities so we constantly have to ensure that everyone gets on with everyone else. There are 50 people in the choir so there is the constant pressure of having to get work for everyone.

YV: What are some of your greatest achievements?

SGC: We have won two Grammy awards, an Emmy award, an Oscar nomination and three SAMA awards. Another achievement for us was Performing for Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu, and collaborating with many top artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Bono and Celine Dion.

YV: How many members is your choir made up of between what ages?

SGC: The choir is made up of 50 members between the ages of 24 to 42 years of age.

YV: What qualities do you look for in potential choir members?

SGC: They need to be performers, not just singers and they need to be highly professional and love what they’re doing. With constant touring, we can’t have anyone who doesn’t love their job as it is tiring and can be stressful at times.

YV: Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years?

SGC: In the next 5 years we plan to still performing in South Africa and around the world, recording new albums and collaborating with top artists.

YV: Does a person need to be of a certain denomination to qualify as a choir member?

SGC: No, so long as they can sing in several African languages and are familiar with religious repertoire.

YV: How often do you get new members?

SGC: We only look for a new member if a current member leaves the group which very seldom happens.

YV: What is your main purpose as a choir?

SGC: To highlight the wonderful talent we have in South Africa and to minister to the rest of the world.

YV: What inspires your uniform?

SGC: The uniform is inspired by the bright and exciting colours of the rainbow nation so to show off our various cultures.

YV: How can your fans keep in touch with you?

SGC: Our fans can follow us on twitter @sowetogospelchoir or on Facebook by liking our page Soweto Gospel Choir.

YV: What’s one of your biggest failures that influenced your career and how did you tower over it?

SGC: Occasionally we are booked for a show that receives no marketing or publicity and we do not get a big audience. When this has been the case, we carry on with the show as if there were thousands of people and not just a few hundred. You have to be professional, no matter what the circumstances.

YV: What words of advice would you give to a young person aspiring to sing in a gospel choir?

SGC: You need to be dedicated and professional and love what you do. You should also try and be a bit different from everyone else so that you stand out from the crowd.

Mbali Radebe