University of Florida Performing Arts

The joy of faith through music defines the Soweto Gospel Choir, whose soulful performances are characterized by exuberant song, lively dancing and vibrant costuming. After making their U.S. debut at the Phillips Center in 2003, Soweto has toured internationally, performing to nightly standing ovations, sold-out houses and rave reviews.

Blending tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel music, the choir’s earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, a cappella vocals and charismatic stage presence combine to uplift the soul and express South Africa’s great hope for the future.

The choir has performed alongside such seminal artists as Bono, John Legend, Queen, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Cliff and the Celine Dion. It received two Grammy wins in 2007 and 2008 in the Best Traditional World Music category.

Soweto Gospel Choir is featured on the song Baba Yetu which won a 2011 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), and on the album Calling All Dawns which received a Grammy for Best Classical Music Crossover, produced and arranged by Christopher Tin. Most recently, the choir’s collaboration with U2 for NBC’s promotional campaign of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa earned the choir an Emmy in 2011.

UF’s Duncan Miano Wambugu will be the speaker for a 6:45 p.m. pre-performance discussion in the West Fackler Foyer, located inside the Phillips Center. Click here to learn more about Wambugu.