Soweto Gospel Choir | HOPE

Africa's most famous gospel choir is coming back to the Netherlands! This brand-new concert by the three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is an ode to the South African Freedom Movement and the American Civil Rights Movement. Decked out in lavishly colorful costumes, the 16-voice choir in HOPE sings the beautiful South African freedom songs that inspired their rainbow nation. They also perform dazzling renditions of the music of the Civil Rights Movement, including songs by such legendary artists as Billie Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin. An unforgettable evening of hopeful music and enchanting harmonies. Sitting still is not an option.

"Hope is a special show for our choir. These are the songs that we grew up with; that inspired us and continue to inspire us. Hope shows the power of song and performance and how they can inspire and guide real change." - Shimmy Jiyane (choir director Soweto Gospel Choir)

About the choir

Hailing from Soweto, a city outside Johannesburg and home to Nelson Mandela and South Africa's democratic movement, Soweto Gospel Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics.

Consisting of a lineup of some of South Africa's finest vocalists, these insane artists have previously shared the stage and collaborated with the biggest names in contemporary music, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, U2, Diana Ross, Peter Gabriel, Chris Martin, John Legend, Pharell Williams, Jimmy Cliff, Ben Harper, Angelique Kidjo, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hugh Masekela and Josh Groban.

Soweto Gospel Choir was founded in 2003 at the end of the apartheid era and during South Africa's inspiring return to democracy. Having participated in several important historical events in the new democratic South Africa, the Soweto Gospel Choir is proud to have performed on many occasions for the Father of their Nation, former President Nelson Mandela, and unfortunately at his funeral in South Africa and the subsequent memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London. They were also subsequently invited to perform at Winnie Mandela's funeral service. The patron of the choir is human rights activist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and they are proud to act as ambassadors for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.