Blessed [Shanachie 18 Tracks]

by The Soweto Gospel Choir

Overview

They may be the best-known exponents of South African gospel, but on this disc the Soweto Gospel Choir move outside their usual boundaries to present a program of both religious and secular music. The choice of songs is interesting, ranging from an abridged "Biko" to the standard "I Bid You Goodnight" and "Mbube" -- better known as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." That's mixed with plenty of gospel, showcasing the glorious Zulu harmonies, although in a couple of instances the sound veers much closer to American gospel, which seems a shame since their own style is so good. Think of this as a showcase of their range and talents more than anything else. There's plenty of joy and excitement in the singing, as well as the kind of sweetness that can't be taught. While this might be an attempt to win a broader audience outside their homeland (they even do a version of the South African National Anthem), and they do perform the very recognizable secular material well, you have to wonder why they felt it necessary to include it. Still, regardless of the style, there's no denying the fact that they're uplifting. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	01/10/2006
Label:	Shanachie
UPC:	0016351663825
Rank:	55022

Tracks

1. Shewane
2. Medley
3. Joko Yahao
4. A Place in Heaven
5. Nialo
6. I Bid You Goodnight
7. Lelilungelo Ngelakho
8. Oh Happy Day
9. Noyana
10. Masigiye'bo
11. Swing Down
12. Weeping
13. Thapelo
14. Woza Meli Wami
15. Mbube
16. Tshepa Thapelo
17. Khumbaya
18. South African National Anthem

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Soweto Gospel Choir   Primary Artist
Lucas Bok   Bass,Soloist,Musical Director
Sipho Ngcamu   Percussion
Sibongile Makgathe   Soloist
David B. Mulovhedzi   Musical Director

Technical Credits

Traditional   Composer
Robin Hogarth   Producer,Liner Notes
Fernando Perdigao   Engineer
Beverly Bryer   Executive Producer
Solomon Linda   Composer
Cornelius Jacob Langenhoven   Composer
David B. Mulovhedzi   Composer
P. Angel Gabriel   Composer
T.J. Fox   Composer
The Soweto Gospel Choir   Composer