Choir embodies 'African spirit' (+video)

The Soweto Gospel Choir embarks on a New Zealand tour this month. The two-time Grammy award-winning choir promises a blend of the emotive power of gospel with the energy of traditional African music.The songs are sung from the heart, says Mmy Jiyane, who references the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. "Those are the songs that made us have hope, and say one day it's going to happen, we are going to be free one day."The choir sings in six languages, but even if you don't understand the words, "You get these rich harmonies, you get these beautiful costumes...you get a young choir that sings their hearts out."The concert dates are as follows:Wednesday 28 May - Auckland Town HallFriday 30 May - Napier Municipal TheatreSaturday 31 May - St James Theatre, WellingtonTuesday 3 June - Christchurch Town HallTickets are available from Ticketek.- NZ HERALD STAFF