South African Gospel - Steve Kekana, Soweto Gospel Choir, Solly Mthiya, Youth In Action…
[EUCD2005]

CD Information • CD Title: South African Gospel • Artist(s): Various Artists • CD Code: EUCD2005 • Tracks: 17 • Playing Time: 68:25 min • Booklet Pages: 32 • Booklet Description: Full colour booklet, info & explanations about each track. • Booklet Info in: English, German, Spanish, French

Upbeat and uplifting choral gospel music, featuring the world renowned Soweto gospel choir, Steve Kekana, Youth in Action and Queen Ranyama.

THE SOUND OF SOUTH AFRICAN GOSPEL

Gospel music in Southern Africa came about through a fascinating synthesis of religious music brought to Africa by missionaries, and traditional African music styles.

The majority of South Africans today are Christians. Apart from the recognised international denominations, there are thousands of colourful African Independent Churches. Every Sunday, in every town and village, different services are being held, and they are accompanied by music… a simple choir, a band with solo singers, some drums… a myriad of styles and languages. Congregants can be seen under trees, on hills, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. And today, you will hear many influences… from American gospel to contemporary pop, as well as the original African roots.

Soweto Gospel Choir

This selection presents some of the best of South African gospel today. The ZCC (Zion Christian Church) is the largest independent Christian Church in South Africa, numbering well over 4 million adherents. Their music is little heard, and we are privileged to have some ZCC tracks here. Steve Kekana is a pop icon in South Africa, here singing a gospel song. Other artists have been widely supported by the large South African gospel buying market, while the Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved amazing international recognition. Music styles range from South African pop, through traditional accompanied styles of hymn and gospel singing, to a cappella choir. This is joyful music, spiritually uplifting and colourful in the African way. May we invite you to enjoy it with us!

Soweto Gospel Choir

Track Listing:

1. SOLLY MTHIYA: Mangingena (P. Sebiloane, R. Malinga, S. Ndhlovu) - 4:43

2. PAUL GWALA: Ofanaye (V. Bogopane) - 4:21

3. SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: Amahlati (trad., arr. R. Hogarth) - 2:26

4. MATLAKALA AND THE COMFORTERS: Hosanna Hosanna (S. M. Ramathoka) - 4:07

5. YOUTH IN ACTION: Jesus is Waiting (A. Mafenuka) - 4:50

6. AFRICAN YOUTH BAND: Mphogo (B. Makhene, N. Mokwena) - 4:45

7. MASOLE A TUMELO: Emisang Go Loana Ditekiseng (S. M. Ramathoka) - 3:28

8. YOUTH IN ACTION: Kubo Bonke (trad., arr. Jwambi) - 4:18

9. SOLLY MTHIYA: Lukhangela Kuwe (P. Sebiloane, S. Mthiya) - 3:59

10. SAMMY MALETE: Talk About Jesus (S. Malete) - 3:52

11. YOUTH IN ACTION: Ilanga Nenyanga (N. Mkhokeli) - 3:43

12. SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: Uma Ilanga Liyo Shona (trad., arr. R. Hogarth) - 3:02

13. STEVE KEKANA: Tarashishi (A. Mthembu, S. Kekana) - 3:49

14. YOUTH IN ACTION: Wenjenje uThixo (trad., arr. Z. Mabandla) - 4:01

15. PAUL LETSHALABA: Pelo Mele Moya (P. Letshalaba) - 4:29

16. OLESENG: Mmelo Pelo Le Moya (Oleseng) - 3:24

17. QUEEN RANYAMA: Kunge Gazi (Q. Ranyama, S. Mbele, T. Nzimande) - 4:17