History
The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa by David Mulovhedzi (†) and Beverly Bryer, two choir directors. The 30+ member ensemble blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae, and American popular music. The group performed at the first of the 46664 concerts for Nelson Mandela, and has since toured internationally several times.
Their albums Blessed and African Spirit won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
On 7 July 2007 they performed at South African leg of Live Earth. Also in 2007, they joined Robert Plant in contributing to Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard), performing their version of Domino's "Valley of Tears".
At the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, the group backed up John Legend with the song Down To Earth, a song from WALL-E nominated for "Best Song" that year.
The group performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final draw on 4 December 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa.
In 2010 composer Christopher Tin's song "Baba Yetu," which featured the group, won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The song had originally been produced for Firaxis Games's 2005 PC title Civilization IV, but Tin enlisted the Soweto Gospel Choir to re-record the song for inclusion on his debut album "Calling All Dawns," leading to the song's nomination and award. This marked the first time a video game composition had won or been nominated for the category.
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