Attending the Soweto Gospel Choir's performance of HOPE at The Flamingo, Gluttony, as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival was long overdue, many years in the making to be brutally honest. The choir, known for their music that could best be described as a profound journey through the soul-stirring landscapes of human resilience, unity, and unyielding hope, has been at the forefront of gospel music for many decades. The three-time GRAMMY Award-winning ensemble masterfully intertwined the rich tapestry of South African freedom songs with the poignant anthems of the American Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that their performance was one that saw no barriers and allowed for a deeper connection with audiences across cultural and generational divides.

From the moment the choir took to the stage, adorned in vibrant colours reflecting the kaleidoscopic heritage of their homeland, the atmosphere—though unusually intimate—was charged with an energy that far exceeded the size of the audience. The opening solo filled the venue, each note a testament to their dedication in preserving and celebrating the unique power of African gospel music. As the choir joined the soloist, their voices, unaccompanied save for the rhythmic heartbeat of traditional drums and occasional keyboard accents, wove a sonic tapestry that was at once intricate and beautifully expansive...