Soweto, Wits choirs pay homage to Kenyan terror victims

Wits University Choir and Soweto Gospel Choir were part of an ensemble of African, Italian and American musicians who worked on three songs that were released online on 31 March in homage to those affected by the attack of 2 April 2015, in which 148 people were killed and 79 injured.

‘Where Will it End’ tells the story of the tragedy. It features Mermans Mosengo of the international group Playing for Change, Thuthukani Cele, former keyboard player for Lucky Dube, and Johannesburg’s own Wits University Choir.

‘Because You Are There’ is a spiritual song sung by an ensemble of talented South African singers and the world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir. The artists include the accomplished Faith Kekana, Mandisa Dlanga, Bo Denim, Denise Mothiba, Tracey-lee Oliver and Edith Mudau Masakona.

A second version of ‘Where Will it End’, sung by acclaimed New York City soul artist Clayton Bryant, features the Soweto Gospel Choir. Bryant has collaborated with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

The songs, whose lyrics are written by lyricist Nikki Turner, touch on important themes, one being freedom of religion. The Islamist extremist group al-Shabaab took responsibility for the attack that led to the closure of the university.

Musica for Africa is the brainchild of Mariano Schiavolini, composer, music producer and member of 1970s progressive rock group Celeste. His music tackles grand humanitarian themes. The talented South African artists lent their own humanitarian sensibilities and passion to the cause.

A video for 'Where Will it End' was also released. It was filmed in the US and South Africa.

Listen to the three songs on mtvrock.com.