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Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir meets Madiba

Elaine March 26, 2008 Articles, Photos Comments Off on Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir meets Madiba

Mar 26 2008
SAPA

SAFRICA-MANDELA-SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

(More photos behind the jump)

The Soweto Gospel Choir presented their second Grammy Award to former president Nelson Mandela at his foundation in Houghton on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the choir, Sipokazi Luzipo thanked Madiba for meeting the group.

“We thank you for seeing us. We are here to show you what we brought back home and also to give you some of our CDs … your presence blesses us,” she said.

The choir picked up a Grammy for best traditional world-music album in February — beating international musicians to the prize.

On his arrival, Mandela danced as the choir welcomed him with a song, walking hand-in-hand with an emotional Luzipo.

The group smiled as they posed for pictures, with the gold Grammy trophy held alongside Mandela.

Luzipo said they were overwhelmed with joy because Mandela was their hero, adding that they had sung for him on his birthday two years ago.

Speaking to journalists soon after parting from Mandela, she said: “I never thought I’d cry, but his presence is so overwhelming. We are so humbled and excited … I now have a blessing of touching his hand.”

The choir has 52 members and was co-founded in 2002 by Beverly Bryer and David Mulovhedzi.

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About The Author

From the Great White North of Canada, Elaine is the owner and maintainer of SGF. Besides being a big-time Soweto Gospel Choir fan, she is passionate about world travel, technology, all sports and above all the great mangosteen fruit. Oh, and she can't sing to save her life...one love! :)

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