South Africa’s Soweto Choir Wins Third Grammy
The Multiple award-winning South African music group, which goes by the name Soweto Gospel Choir, has won the revered Grammy Awards for the third time after a decade absence.
The group won the award for the Best World Music Album category for their album titled ‘Freedom’ which is a collection of popular African freedom/liberation songs and chants.
The Grammy Awards 2019 took place last weekend (Sunday, 10 February 2019) in Los Angeles, United States, and was hosted by celebrated music artist, Alicia Keys.
This is the fifth time the group is being nominated for the Grammys, but their last win came almost a decade ago in 2008, after winning their fist in 2007 – both awards came in the Best Traditional World Music Album category.
Other contenders for the Best World Music Album category at this year’s Grammys include Omara “Bombino” Moctar from Niger, Fatoumata Diawara from Mali, and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 from Nigeria (son of the legendary Fela Kuti).
Receiving the award on behalf of Soweto Gospel Choir were album producer Diniloxolo Ndlakuse Shimmy Jiyane, Mary Mulovhedzi and Mulalo Mulovhedzi whose late father David Mulovhedzi co-founded the group with producer/director Beverly Bryer 17 years ago.
The group was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music.
This is the 61st edition of the Grammy Awards and there was a special appearance by the former first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, who got the crowd on their feet.
After the award was announced, Africans from around the globe poured heartfelt congratulatory messages to appreciate the effort of the group in preserving Africa’s heritage and making Africa proud once again.
The president of South Africa through his official twitter handle @CyrilRamaphosa wrote:
“Congratulations to the Soweto Gospel Choir for being awarded the Best World Music album for ‘Freedom’ at the #GRAMMYs. This is the choir’s third Grammy award and we thank them for telling our story to the world and flying the flag high.”
We are all proud of the Soweto Gospel Choir and the other nominees, thank you for making Africa proud.
