The Details

Direct from South Africa, this awe-inspiring vocal ensemble performs tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel in eight languages. Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, a capella, and charismatic performances uplift the soul and express their country’s hopes for the future.

About The Evening

The performance will be followed with a special encore sung over sacred African Burying Ground located up the street from the Historic Theater.
“This will be a profound historic night for Portsmouth,” says Executive Director Patricia Lynch. “The Music Hall’s connection with our African American heritage goes way back, from multiple speeches by Frederick Douglas before the Civil War, to a performance in 1916 by opera star Siseretta Jones after she was denied a role at the Metropolitan Opera. The Soweto singers will be joining us for a day in Portsmouth on Monday, February 13 to learn about the town’s African American legacy, and then at 7 pm will ignite the Historic Theater with their uplifting, charismatic choral singing. And Portsmouth won’t soon forget their post-performance hymn over sacred burial ground.”

Adds Music Hall historian Zhana Morris: “History is about so much more than bricks and mortar. We are proud to continue our longstanding celebration of African American artists, activists, and writers that began in the 19th century when Frederick Douglas spoke here so passionately about African American destiny.”

The evening will begin with a special introductory hymn sung from the balcony by Voices from the Heart, a Portsmouth based women’s chorus specializing in world music. After the two-hour concert, drummer Randy Armstrong will lead the Soweto Gospel Choir on a candlelight procession from the stage door to the Chestnut Street burial ground site, where they will celebrate the work of the African Burying Ground Committee by singing a special encore over sacred ground.