Soweto Gospel Choir
Songs of the Free In Honor of Nelson Mandela’s 100th Birthday Thu, Oct 4 / 8 PM / Campbell Hall
photo: Brett Schewitz
Running time: approx. 90 min., plus intermission
Related Thematic Learning Initiative Event (see page 9)
Event Sponsor: Mary Becker in honor of Gary Becker
Choir Members Mirriam Chapole Mlungiseleni Jones George Kaudi Sibongile Makgathe Victor Makhathini Gugu Mbongwa Mazwe Mhlongo Siyabolela Mkefa
Original Msimango Semangele Mongatane Maserame Ndindwa Sipho Ngcamu Zanele Ngcamu Linda Sambo Phello Sejake Portia Skosana
About the Choir Hailing from the town of Soweto (South West Township), the birthplace of South Africa’s democratic movement’s struggle for freedom, Soweto Gospel Choir has thrilled audiences around the world with its stunning blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics. Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music, the choir, comprised of South Africa’s greatest singers, is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world. Soweto Gospel Choir performed for Nelson Mandela on many occasions during his life and sang at his state funeral at home in South Africa as well as at his commemorative service at Westminster Cathedral in London, and they performed at the memorial service for Winnie MadikizelaMandela earlier this year. The choir recently performed at
the 2018 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, delivered this year by Barack Obama. Combining earthy rhythms with rich harmonies and sung in six of South Africa’s 11 official languages, as well as English, this special occasion promises to be a moving performance that will uplift the soul. “The significance of Nelson Mandela’s 100th commemoration to South Africans is firstly and foremost a reminder of the role played by Nelson Mandela in moving South Africa from a position of being an undemocratic, oppressive society to one of a peaceful co-existence for all racial groups,” says Music Director Diniloxolo Ndlakuse. “Mandela represents love, peace, forgiveness and strength to the choir. He is a symbol of inspiration to the choir.” On Sept. 14, 2018, in honor of the centennial of Nelson Mandela’s birth, Soweto Gospel Choir released its highly-anticipated sixth album, Freedom, a collection of freedom songs from South Africa and beyond. The album features iconic struggle songs associated with the liberation movement in South Africa. For example, the album’s single, “Umbombela,” or “Train Song,” speaks of the travails experienced by black South Africans during the apartheid era, when migrant workers were forced to travel long distances away from their families in order to meet the harsh economic and political demands made by the government. Freedom includes compositions by Miriam Makeba, Harry Belafonte, Letta Mbulu and Mbogeni Ngema, creator of the hit musical Sarafina! Among their many accolades, Soweto Gospel Choir has earned two Grammy Awards, released two No. 1 Billboard
(805) 893-3535 www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
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