The group has just been nominated for the fourth time by the Grammy Awards committee for their fifth album, Grace. The nomination was confirmed this week in Los Angeles, US.
If they win the award again, the choir would have the distinction of being the South African group with the most number of Grammy statuettes.
They currently have two.
Grace is nominated in the Best Traditional World Music Album category.
A delighted Shimmy Jiyane, the choir’s leader, is thrilled by the fourth Grammy nomination in five years.
“Each time we receive a nomination it is as exciting as if it’s the first, and we are very proud to wave the South African flag at the Grammy Awards,” said Jiyane.
Grace is produced by Robin Hogarth and Zwai Bala, and directed by Lucas Bok, Vusi Shabalala and Diniloxolo Ndlakuse, working with engineer Richard Mitchell, under the Universal Music label in South Africa.
Other nominees for the Best Traditional World Music Album (vocal or instrumental) are Gyuto Monks of Tibet, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté, and Vayo.
In addition, the choir is featured with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the song Baba Wetu, which has been nominated for an arranger’s award in the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), produced and arranged by Christopher Tin.
The Soweto Gospel Choir has brought pride and honour to South Africa. In 2007 they won a Grammy for Blessed in the same category. The following year they received their second Grammy for African Spirit, also in the same category.
Last year, the choir collaborated with Peter Gabriel in the closing track Down to Earth, from the film Wall-E, which won a Grammy for the Best Song in a Movie category.
Since the choir’s introduction to the world eight years ago, it has amassed a growing local and international fan base, and has received many local and international awards.
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