During their performances at the Sydney Fringe Festival, Soweto Gospel Choir Choirmaster Shimmy Jiyane talks with Manan Luthra about the Choir’s shows HOPE and History of House.
Manan: What is the Soweto Gospel Choir?
Shimmy: We are a gospel choir from South Africa based in a township called Soweto which stands for South Western Township. We formed in 2002 have spent the last few decades touring the world most of year, as a group of around 16-24 at a time.
Who is in the Choir?
The choir comprises lots of people from different backgrounds who live in or near Soweto, we hold auditions for the choir as requried and there are lots of people who want to be involved!
What is African gospel? How does it differ from other types of gospel?
African gospel is a very diverse genre that comes from the many different cultures in Africa which is based in churches & homes. The form of African gospel is the original version which was transported to other places thru slavery by the colonists.
What is HOPE about? What songs can audiences expect?
We came up with the concept of HOPE after COVID. Hope is about reviving yourself…. it’s about getting out there and doing something better for yourself.
The songs in the show are from the Apartheid era in South Africa and we have also included songs from the US Civil Rights Movement. Audiences can expect to leave feeling inspired!
What about History of House?
HOH is all about fun, it about the 50 year history of house music and bringing people together. People can expect to do a lot of dancing!
Some people might say the two shows are different. What is your opinion on that?
Yes they are different because HOH is all about dancing & joy & the feel good moments. HOPE is all about the history of South Africa, reminding people what happened in Soweto during the rising in 1976. It honours the leaders & people who fought for the struggle in South Africa.
Australia and South Africa both have shocking racist histories. What do you see as the way forward, and what role does music play in that?
Music is the way of expressing ourselves and of expressing the soul. It’s food for the soul. It’s how we express ourselves to try to end racism. We open peoples hearts through music no matter their background or language. Music is the way for humans to connect for all walks of life.
What do you hope audiences ultimately take from either show?
We want them to take away happiness, joy & peace. Positiveness of life & to be revived.
Sell Hope and History of House in one sentence each.
They are joyous, breathtaking & feel-good.
