Okayafrica TV: Soweto Gospel Choir 'Meadowlands'
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We've always claimed to be the anti-world music website, but we'll make exceptions for acts as dope as the world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir. We caught up with Shimmy Jiyane, Choir Master/Choreographer/Singer and founding member of the group last Friday at Symphony Space in NYC. Shimmy and his crew have travelled the world with their "African Grace" tour, a combination of cheerful as well as moving (we teared up) songs and dance straight from Johannesburg, South Africa. Shimmy tells us the difficulties of keeping the choir on point through nightly performances, and makes us feel fuzzy inside when he describes how Brooklyn made them feel at home (he reps BK with a pin on his jacket). The choir also sings "Meadowlands," a powerful anti-apartheid song. If these guys come through your hood, be sure to check them out! Complete list of tour dates here.
Video shot by Myo Campbell and Dominique Taylor.