There are choirs and then there are choirs. When the Soweto Gospel Choir sings (a rather inadequate term for it) you might feel as if you’d never heard choral harmony before — such is the hair-raising power of their collective efforts. Performing in six of South Africa's 11 official languages, the young, 26-member ensemble showcases an intriguingly speckled assortment of voices where the rough and raw mingles with the silky smooth and basso brilliant in thrilling quilts of sound notable too for their awesome precision and rhythmic sway. The double Grammy-winning choir, which has also founded a charitable organization that raises funds for AIDS orphans in South Africa, has a tremendous new CD out on Shanachie called Grace, and recently recorded the official World Cup song “Oh Africa” with Akon. Cred notes: Desmond Tutu is a patron of the choir's, and Nelson Mandela digs 'em, too. And yes, if asked, the choir might just do “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

Thu., April 1, 2010

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.