Topically Yours - South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir Director Shimmy Jiyane

Rainbow Soul

Host Deardra Shuler talks to Choir Director Shimmy Jiyane (GEE-ya-NEH), of the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR who will be appearing at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, December 9 at 4pm. The Choir‘s universal message of love, unity, and hope, along with its captivating melodic and harmonic wonder and awe-inspiring performances. Formed in Soweto, South Africa in 2002 by choir directors David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, the ensemble comprised of some of South Africa’s greatest singers, blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae, and American pop music. Their first album consists of Voices of Heaven, Blessed, African Spirit, Live at the Nelson Mandela Theatre, Grace. The Soweto Gospel Choir has also received Grammy Awards for their contributions on “Down to Earth” (2009), the choir’s collaboration with Peter Gabriel for the film Wall-E, and also two Grammy Awards for Christopher Tin’s song “Baba Yetu” (2010). For tickets call 718-960-8833 or through online access at www.LehmanCenter.org.