Choir’s World Cup legacy

AFTER launching its name on a high note with a collaboration
with American singer Robert Kelly, international invitations are
pouring in for a Soweto choir.

By Patience Bambalele

SOWETO, S AFRICA — The Soweto Spiritual Singers performed their
Sign Of A Victory at the Fifa World Cup Concert and wooed many
local and international promoters.

Since then, the group has receivedbeen getting many invites from
Europe. They group jetted out of the country on Saturday for a
month-long tour toin of Holland, France and Belgium.

Founded by Vicky Vilakazi, Nkululeko Vilakazi, Gift
Vilakazi-Ledimo and Thabo Ledimo, the choir was established in
2005.

Vicky Vilakazi says since performing at FNB Stadium there has
been a great demand for them outside South Africa.

“We were forced to establish two casts as well as the Soweto
Boys Choir. Each cast has its own management and team. The
remaining members of the Soweto Spiritual Singers will be in
Nigeria in December for a week,” she says.

Vicky Vilakazi says their style is traditional music fused with
folk and dance.

“Our music is truly inspirational, a shout of joy, a towering
onslaught of exuberance with earthy rhythms, rich harmonies to
uplift the soul,” she says.

“Ours is a true celebration and unifying sounds as we sing all
these genres in one accord and voice. We fuse township culture and
its influence in modern spiritual music and all this forms part of
our 90-minute journey of praise as we dance, clap, shout and
ululate,” Vicky Vilakazi says.