The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in November 2002 and they have achieved incredible success both nationally and internationally, having being hailed as a ‘South African music phenomenon’.

The choir’s first album, ‘Voices from Heaven’ went on to reach the number one spot on Billboard’s World Music Chart within three weeks of its release in the US.

Since then, they have recorded four albums and won two Grammy Awards in the World Music category.

They have also won an Emmy Award for their collaboration with U2 for ESPN’s television promotion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which received three SAMAs and a Metro FM award.

In 2010, the choir’s recording with Peter Gabriel, was nominated for an Oscar, and that same year, they were the first South African artists to have performed at the Academy Awards.

The choir has toured the world extensively, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Westminster Abbey as well as at Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Theatre.

They have also performed (and collaborated) with world-renowned artists such as Celine Dion, Josh Groban, John Legend, Bono, Aretha Franklin and the Harlem Gospel Choir.

Nationally, they have worked with local favourites such as Vusi Mahlasela, Johnny Clegg, the Bala Brothers and Dorothy Masuka.

They have been honoured to perform for dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, President Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Oprah.

In 2003, the choir formed its own charity foundation, Nkosi’s Haven Vukani, which supports AIDS orphans organisations that receive little or no funding.

Soweto Gospel Choir are ambassadors for 46664, 1Goal, SHOUT and they are United Nations’ MDG Envoys for Africa.