The Soweto Gospel Choir kicked off their UK tour in September, in Glasgow and concluded in Swansea in mid-October. I attended their Norwich Theatre Royal show. Having seen  countless performances across the world, over the years, the anticipation was very high.

Prior to the show, Mzansi Show hosted the choir master/conductor, Shimmy Jiyane.
He promised the audience a night to remember saying, ‘people must expect fireworks because we are bringing a very good show, beautiful customs, beautiful harmony and beautiful music’.

For me, it was more than just watching, dancing, whistling and clapping hands. As a South African, I was eager to see how the British public responded to our gospel music.

As the show started it took only the drums, harmony and dancing to get the audience displaying their excitement. I could see in people’s faces delight in what they were experiencing. The language barrier didn’t matter. The choir sang all their classics, in all eleven official languages, an absolutely traditional performance!

When they sung ‘O happy day’ the crowd stood up, sang and danced along, just like South Africans at church. Behind me a lady whispered to a friend, ‘God bless them, they are fantastic! Pure natural voices!’


There may have only been a few Africans in the audience but the show was full of African flavour. I was more than happy to see a standing ovation from the local, British audience. This proves they are the world best!
Finally, I was able to meet the Soweto Gospel Choir, stars of the show; and it was an absolute pleasure chatting to them all.