By Dr. Eunice Moseley
*“This too will past,” said Shimmy Jiyane, director of the Soweto Gospel Choir, about the meaning of the title to their newest album release “Hope” on Shanachie Entertainment. “It’s to give people hope, with everything negative going on people need hope.”
The Soweto Gospel Choir is a four-time Grammy Award-winning choir known all over the world for their style of Gospel, Negro Spirituals, Reggae, and American Pop music. The choir of 30 members was formed in Soweto, South Africa by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer in 2002 with music produced by Andrew Kay, David Vigo, and Cliff Hocking.
“I’ve been in the choir for 20 years and it’s been 16 years as director,” Shimmy said when I asked.
The Soweto Gospel Choir has also garnered six Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, and an Academy Award nomination. They are also an Emmy Award and two-time African Music Award winners. The Soweto Gospel Choir has collaborated with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Beyonce’ and John Legend. They have reached #1 on Billboard and can sing in 11 different languages.