THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOSPEL SINGERS

The first and the original African super choir, The South African Gospel Singers was formed in 1989 by the leading vocalist Pinise Saul and manager Barbara Pukwana to celebrate the tradition of vocal music of her homelands. The music draws on Xhosa, Zulu and Suthu vocal traditions, embraces township and traditional harmonies, spirituals and gospel songs, jazz and soul underpinned with contemporary harmony and street vocal styles found in Soweto and other townships.The South African Gospel Singers are South

Africa's soulful, pulsating and dynamic vocal choir sensation. The blending of traditional with contemporary vocal styles gives their music a richness and vitality that is characteristic of Africa's folklore. The dynamic choir creates music that lifts your spirit and soothes your soul . The choir's fresh approach to the vocal heritage of South African townships with the fusion of soul harmonies and township jazz puts them in the contemporary class of gospel. With their powerful stage presence the choir breaks through all language barriers to speak of universal love. The group's "must see" reputation has been earned with their wonderful repertoire which is based on the rich South African musical heritage, their striking stage presence and their straight to the heart music.The members of the South African Gospel Singers have headlined concerts all over the world.

Highlights include the Nelson Mandela Tribute Concert at Wembley, Cry Freedom's film sound track, the 1996 Vocal Chords Festival in Newcastle and at the London Barbican concert Hall, in 1997 at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Aldeburgh International Music Festival, Hay Festival in 1998, Royal Albert Hall Cathcart Proms, Aberystwyth, Bath, Hay, Brecon, Exeter and Cheltenham Festivals and sell out concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, London South Bank Centre. The South African Gospel Singers have appeared live on many South African programmes as well as international television shows like CBS and ABC News Network in USA, The David Frost Show 1998 Year In Review and The Gloria Honeyford Show on Channel 5 and the World Music Series on American TV.In July 2003 they headlined the “Festival of Sacred Music” in Girona, Spain and their international “Rainbow People” Tour in November 2003 was a sensational sell-out culminating in a massive collaboration with the Yoruba Women Choir at London’s Barbican Centre.