Truely an Inspiration
Truly an Inspiration
Shannon Whelan
April 4, 2005
“In my African Dream, there’s a new tomorrow
My African Dream, is a dream that we can follow
And though it would seem, my hope’s an illusion
My African Dream is an end to the confusion
This is my African Dream
Let us lift our voices
Sing in harmony, you and me, I want us to live as one
No more wars, no more anger
This is my land, this is your land
Let us pray for peace, peace, peace, love and harmony”
(Soweto Gospel Choir, African Dream)
The Soweto gospel choir has definitely conquered the African dream. Not only has the choir overcome obstacles but they have demonstrated success to the rest of the citizens of South Africa. The Soweto gospel choir is truly inspirational. The experience of having the privilege to attend a gospel choir concert was one that has affected me in an enormous way. The choir was only performing one concert in Toronto, so the theatre was entirely sold out. Not knowing exactly what the choir was or what to expect, was a bit uncalming. But when the first voice was projected it literally jumped out at me and made my heart beat fast and unexpectedly. The choir’s voices touched my heart, it sounded like voices from heaven. Their colourful dress and uplifting dancing was exuberating. The Soweto gospel choir experience was one that I will never forget. The experience made me think of where the choir came from and what the different aspects of their culture include.
The Soweto gospel choir originated from the southwestern townships right outside of Johannesburg located in the republic of South Africa. The history of South Africa was complicated with racial disparity and political turmoil. Since European colonizers arrived in 1488 the traditional culture has never been the same (Magorian, 2004). In 1948, the national party won the national election and announced an official policy of Apartheid (Magorian, 2004). The apartheid was a policy of racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against the non-white population. Then in 1913, the native land act was established to officially segregate land between white and native South Africans (Magorian, 2004). The segregated land was called “reserves” or “Bantustans” zones that approximately made up 13% of South Africa’s land meanwhile the south Africans made up 80% of the total population (Magorian, 2004). The Soweto district was one of the segregated land zones. Violence from demonstrations arose in 1976 in Soweto because of the up rise in protesting Bantu education (Magorian, 2004). The violence spread across the country, and the subject gained global recognition. Only in the 1990’s did bans of apartheid organizations come into effect. Nelson Mandela as part of the ANC(African National Congress) was inaugurated as the first democratically elected state president of South Africa in 1994 (Magorian, 2004). The 21st century brings light to a nation free of a apartheid past and sets its focus on healing and restoration.
Throughout the Concert in Toronto, members of the choir, a countless number of times thanked God that they live in a democratic society. As I sat in the theatre I realized the importance of democracy. I think that Canadians take for granted the fact that we do live in a democratic country that allows its people to be able to have the opportunity to voice opinion, vote, encompass equality, and have equal rights. The spiritual and inspirational messages were incredible throughout the concert. If the choir could overcome many hurdles of a disastrous past, then you too could achieve anything you believed in. We are unbelievably fortunate to live in a country with democracy.
Gospel music is a significant and joyous part of South African music scene where individuals prefer rhythm, movement, and soul. The Soweto gospel choir is comprised of 26 person chorus and was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of South African gospel music. The choir draws from the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The choir is dedicated to share the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world as well as raise money for AIDS orphans through their charity foundation called Nkosi’s Haven/Vukani. Giving back to their community is a much respected accomplishment because the choir supports a serious epidemic in their community and nation.
Soweto gospel choir’s music is indeed unique due to its strong roots in traditional music and conveys a powerful spiritual message. The choir displays their rich heritage, while celebrating the spirit of South Africa. Not only did the Soweto gospel choir inspire me but also the sold out audience that raved in a standing ovation and a double encore. I encourage you to listen to the Soweto gospel music or look at their website which is www.sowetogospelchoir.com so you to can understand my interest for their music. The Soweto Gospel Choir is “Meticulous and unstoppable… Spirited and Spectacular” (New York Times, 2005). Soweto’s fabulous choir should be known as achieving the African Dream.
References
Bryer, B. (n.d.). Soweto Gospel Choir. Retrieved February 18, 2005, from
www.sowetogospelchoir.com
Magorian, A. (2004). Soweto Gospel Choir. Performance study guide.
Shannon Whelan
April 4, 2005
“In my African Dream, there’s a new tomorrow
My African Dream, is a dream that we can follow
And though it would seem, my hope’s an illusion
My African Dream is an end to the confusion
This is my African Dream
Let us lift our voices
Sing in harmony, you and me, I want us to live as one
No more wars, no more anger
This is my land, this is your land
Let us pray for peace, peace, peace, love and harmony”
(Soweto Gospel Choir, African Dream)
The Soweto gospel choir has definitely conquered the African dream. Not only has the choir overcome obstacles but they have demonstrated success to the rest of the citizens of South Africa. The Soweto gospel choir is truly inspirational. The experience of having the privilege to attend a gospel choir concert was one that has affected me in an enormous way. The choir was only performing one concert in Toronto, so the theatre was entirely sold out. Not knowing exactly what the choir was or what to expect, was a bit uncalming. But when the first voice was projected it literally jumped out at me and made my heart beat fast and unexpectedly. The choir’s voices touched my heart, it sounded like voices from heaven. Their colourful dress and uplifting dancing was exuberating. The Soweto gospel choir experience was one that I will never forget. The experience made me think of where the choir came from and what the different aspects of their culture include.
The Soweto gospel choir originated from the southwestern townships right outside of Johannesburg located in the republic of South Africa. The history of South Africa was complicated with racial disparity and political turmoil. Since European colonizers arrived in 1488 the traditional culture has never been the same (Magorian, 2004). In 1948, the national party won the national election and announced an official policy of Apartheid (Magorian, 2004). The apartheid was a policy of racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against the non-white population. Then in 1913, the native land act was established to officially segregate land between white and native South Africans (Magorian, 2004). The segregated land was called “reserves” or “Bantustans” zones that approximately made up 13% of South Africa’s land meanwhile the south Africans made up 80% of the total population (Magorian, 2004). The Soweto district was one of the segregated land zones. Violence from demonstrations arose in 1976 in Soweto because of the up rise in protesting Bantu education (Magorian, 2004). The violence spread across the country, and the subject gained global recognition. Only in the 1990’s did bans of apartheid organizations come into effect. Nelson Mandela as part of the ANC(African National Congress) was inaugurated as the first democratically elected state president of South Africa in 1994 (Magorian, 2004). The 21st century brings light to a nation free of a apartheid past and sets its focus on healing and restoration.
Throughout the Concert in Toronto, members of the choir, a countless number of times thanked God that they live in a democratic society. As I sat in the theatre I realized the importance of democracy. I think that Canadians take for granted the fact that we do live in a democratic country that allows its people to be able to have the opportunity to voice opinion, vote, encompass equality, and have equal rights. The spiritual and inspirational messages were incredible throughout the concert. If the choir could overcome many hurdles of a disastrous past, then you too could achieve anything you believed in. We are unbelievably fortunate to live in a country with democracy.
Gospel music is a significant and joyous part of South African music scene where individuals prefer rhythm, movement, and soul. The Soweto gospel choir is comprised of 26 person chorus and was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of South African gospel music. The choir draws from the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The choir is dedicated to share the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world as well as raise money for AIDS orphans through their charity foundation called Nkosi’s Haven/Vukani. Giving back to their community is a much respected accomplishment because the choir supports a serious epidemic in their community and nation.
Soweto gospel choir’s music is indeed unique due to its strong roots in traditional music and conveys a powerful spiritual message. The choir displays their rich heritage, while celebrating the spirit of South Africa. Not only did the Soweto gospel choir inspire me but also the sold out audience that raved in a standing ovation and a double encore. I encourage you to listen to the Soweto gospel music or look at their website which is www.sowetogospelchoir.com so you to can understand my interest for their music. The Soweto Gospel Choir is “Meticulous and unstoppable… Spirited and Spectacular” (New York Times, 2005). Soweto’s fabulous choir should be known as achieving the African Dream.
References
Bryer, B. (n.d.). Soweto Gospel Choir. Retrieved February 18, 2005, from
www.sowetogospelchoir.com
Magorian, A. (2004). Soweto Gospel Choir. Performance study guide.
posted by Shannon @ 9:34 PM
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