For the holiday season, Werklund Centre welcomed one of the world’s greatest gospel choirs, Soweto Gospel Choir, to the Jack Singer Concert Hall. This South African group breathed life into the packed hall and lifted the spirits of the entire audience, song after song.
Titled Peace, the show celebrated American and South African artists associated with the struggles for civil rights and social justice throughout their countries’ complex histories: South African freedom songs, as well as the music of Cynthia Erivo, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and others, combined with traditional African gospel music and spirituals.
When the Soweto Gospel Choir took the stage, the hall’s energy immediately transformed. From beginning to end, the audience was a part of the experience — standing, dancing, clapping and singing along — whether they knew the words or not.
A vivid tapestry of colour made every dance electric, and the performers shared a uniting power and levity that made over a thousand patrons feel like family. Every song wove a rich story through harmony, and even though much of the audience didn’t speak the language, the connection was felt—an open invitation to celebrate African heritage.
Relive some of the highlights below!
