Award for nourishing the souls of the people of the world
12 February 2007
I want the men and women singers of the Soweto Gospel Choir to know that I
and millions of South Africans sincerely commend them for the splendid
contribution they are making to indigenous African choral music. Their
achievement demonstrates that South African talent not only has the potential
to raise its voice, compete with its international counterparts, but is of
world class. The winning of a Grammy Award: Best Traditional World Music Album
marks yet another high point for South African Arts and Culture.
The South African story has been told and retold through drama, song, dance
and more recently film. Our choristers, conductors, composers and other
musicians enjoy our full confidence that when given a fair chance, they can
impact on the global stage, carried by the quality of their performances. The
album for which the Soweto Gospel Choir received its award was recorded and
released in 2005. The Soweto Gospel Choir, the lyrical content of whose music
is cosmopolitan and universal, tells the story of "one human family under one
heaven".
Sowetans share the aspirations and dreams of other people on Mother Earth.
South African choral music has in the past won wide recognition because it
resonates with the hearts and souls of humankind. The Soweto Gospel Choir is
firmly rooted in that tradition. This award is shared by millions of
choristers, conductors and composers who have gone unrecognised over decades.
It is an acknowledgement and recognition of South African choral music and
those who have persevered in its practice with little prospect of reward. The
unknown families, friends and communities who have supported male and female
choristers, whose sustained belief in choral music has been vindicated by this
award, share in it alongside the performers whom they have supported.
This prize will nourish the souls of countless South African choristers. It
is a matter of great national pride that our artists have once again merited
the laurels of a Grammy, competing with some of the best musicians from around
the world. We thank all the judges for the decision and congratulate The Soweto
Gospel Choir for winning a Grammy. On behalf of our people, whose dreams and
visions were shared with the whole world through song, we say: "Well done, we
all take pride in your achievement."
For further details please contact:
Sandile Memela
Spokesman for the Minister of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 903 6778
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
12 February 2007
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za/)
