Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir to bring HOPE to South West on extensive Australian tour

Gospel music enthusiasts are set to be taken on a journey through time in the form of protest music as a three-time Grammy award-winning gospel choir makes its way to the South West. The Soweto Gospel Choir is scheduled to perform at the Margaret River HEART and the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre as part of an extensive tour of Australia kicking off in August. Presented by Andrew Kay, the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform their acclaimed show ‘HOPE’, bringing songs of power and inspiration celebrating the music of protest and freedom — from Nelson Mandela’s South Africa to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King Jr’s 1950s America. Kay said it was always a “special treat” to bring the unique and inspirational power of the Soweto Gospel Choir back to Australian shores off the back of a hit season at Adelaide Fringe. “The energy and presence they bring is unparalleled and following a smash season at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe, we’re excited to share their extraordinary talent with the rest of Australia,” he said. ‘HOPE’ opens with a selection of South African freedom songs before transitioning through time to the USA with renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement, including works by the likes of James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Choir master Shimmy Jiyane said ‘HOPE’ held a special place in the hearts of the choir members. “These are the songs that we grew up on, that inspired us and that keep inspiring us,” he said. “HOPE showcases how the power of song and the power of performance can inspire and soundtrack real change.” The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music and draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. It is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world and has received critical acclaim and audience adoration for their powerful renditions of African-American spirituals, gospel, folk and contemporary music. WA TOUR DATES Margaret River HEART - Wednesday, August 16 Albany Entertainment Centre - Thursday, August 17 Perth Concert Hall - Sunday, August 20 Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton - Tuesday, November 7 Mandurah Performing Arts Centre - Wednesday, November 8 Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre - Thursday, November 9