Audio

I’ll Remember You is a Bob Dylan song released in 1985 on his Empire Burlesque album. Lyrics: I’ll remember you When I’ve forgotten all the rest, You to me were true, You to me were the best. When there is no more, You cut to the core Quicker than anyone that I knew. When I’m [...]

Thula Baba is a popular Zulu lullaby. The lullaby is sung by a mother to her child, as they await the return of their husband/father who has gone away to work. It’s a beautiful song with a powerful message.  Simply lovely. The famous South African musical Umoja does a wonderful rendition of this song, too. [...]

Written by Hamilton Nzimande, the song Hlanganani was recently featured in the HBO/BBC series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. In the episode The Boy with an African Heart, the song can be heard at the very end of the episode and was the perfect ending to a great episode (I’m a big fan of [...]

Malaika is a popular Swahili song meaning Angel. The song has been covered by many artists over the years.  Popular versions include the ones done by Miriam Makeba (RIP), Angélique Kidjo and even Boney M. Many attribute the song’s origin to Fadhili William, but this has been heavily disputed. In any case, Malaika is one [...]

During a rehearsal in Johannesburg, musical director Beverly Bryer and conductor Shimmy Jiyane tell the BBC the secret of their success. View the audio slideshow at the BBC’s website. Photos by Jason Boswell below. [...]

Originally released by U2 in their 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire, Pride (In the Name of Love) is about Martin Luther King, Jr. and is one of the band’s most recognized songs. The Choir’s interpretation of the song is unique with all the usual SGC style. Great song! Lyrics: One man come in the name [...]

Mama Tembu’s Wedding is one of my favourite SGC songs that was performed by the Choir during their Blessed Concert encore (circa 2005-2006). It’s such a fun song and a hidden gem! Half the fun is watching the Choir dance and perform to it! Written by B. Egnos, the song was made popular by Margaret [...]

Ke Na Le Modisa, sung in Sotho, is an interpretation of Psalm 23. Lyrics: Sotho lyrics Ke na le modisa – ke tla be ke hlokang? Ke ya ipitsang Jehova – molimo o phelang O nkisa botaleng, lijong tse mphelisang O nkalosa dinokaneng – metsing a nkholisang Lira li ka ntlhoya – ke sa ja [...]

NPR Music December 30, 2008 The inspirational sounds of the Soweto Gospel Choir are unmistakable. The 26-member ensemble hails from churches and communities within South Africa’s Soweto Township, and it blends tribal African gospel music with traditional Western gospel sounds. The show’s narrator and lead singer, Sipokazi Luzipo, and choir master and choreographer Shimmy Jiyane [...]

PBS Art Beat by Mike Melia December 18, 2008 Listen to the interview with Sipokazi. Dressed in vibrant costumes, the Soweto Gospel Choir blends the rich sounds of traditional African music with dance and a variety of musical genres — rock and hip-hop, and American gospel and R&B — and the combination has earned the [...]