Durban Gospel Choir

The Durban Gospel Choir a multi genre vocal ensemble whose repertoire celebrates traditional and contemporary sounds ranging from Gospel to Gqom. They are as comfortable performing in cathedrals as they are on kasi corners and since their inception in 2009 have remained committed to their goal of uniting and uplifting through music. During their career they have performed with a number of highly respected artists such as Vusi Mahlasela ; Tipcee ; DJ Maphorisa ; Moonchild Sanelle ; Zakes Bantwini ; Yvonne Chakka Chakka ; the KZNPO ; Khaya Mthetwa ; Bucie (Princess of House ) ; Mondli Ngcobo ; DJ Merlon ; Arno Carstens ; Zolani ( Freshly Ground ) ; The London Gospel Choir and many more . Past performances include events such as The African Renaissance Festival ; The Royal Soapie Awards ; The South African Tourism Indaba and the Nelson Mandela Memorial concert to name but a few . 2020 will however see the eventual release on the long anticipated debut album which will demonstrate the fresh gospel / contemporary vocal style and compositions .

Since it's inception , the choir has unearthed and incubated a great deal of new talent and seen many of Mzanzi's current stars have rise through the ranks such as Khaya Dladla (GC on Uzalo ) ; Khanyisani Shoba ( Lead -The Lion King ) ; Mlungisi Shabalala ( Imbewu - The Seed and The Lion kIng and Ndu Shezi (Joyous Celebration ) to name but a few .

The Durban Gospel Choir are huge fans of collaboration and their latest feature is a great example of this . The track is called "Lalela Abazali" and sees an electrifying combination of Gospel and Goqm which is being released under the banner “The Gospel Of Gqom” . For those who don’t know , Gqom is a genre of music that was born in the townships of Durban where it gave voice to and offered relief from the frustrations and fears of a disenfranchised youth. Since it's inception, the sound has taken the world by storm .The #GospelOfGqom project harnesses the power of the genre’s characteristic earth pounding beats, pairing them with heavinly voices to share messages of inspirtaion and hope. "Lalela Abazali" is the collective's inaugural release, which sees a collaboration between Gqom pioneers the RudeBoyz , majestic vocal ensemble The Durban Gospel Choir (with Njabulo Ntaka on lead vocals ) and local MC, Pazgenik.

Produced by Karen Van Pletsen and the RudeBoyz, the song pays homage to the youth of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings and the countless others who before and after them, stood up against the oppressions of Apartheid. Some of their names are recorded in the history books, whilst others will never be known, but "Lalela Abazali" calls for us to honour ALL of their legacies by safeguarding the FREEDOM their sacrifces enabled us to now enjoy . It is a message to the youth is that they are powerful ,capable of greatness and within their hands...