Soweto Gospel Choir
The Peacock at Gluttony – Rymill Park
Sun 15 Mar, 2026

It’s difficult to summarise the breadth of the experience of witnessing the Soweto Gospel Choir in front and centre position in The Peacock big top. A powerful drumming introduction welcomes a technicolour chorus of stunning performers in customary African cloth onstage, their harmonies hitting the full spectrum of octaves and reverberating throughout our bodies. It’s nothing short of intoxicating.

We’re taken on a journey of grief, hope and empowerment through song and dance – reflecting on an apartheid era and the political revolutionaries who shone through it. Whilst English barely features in this performance, the delivery and emotion conveyed is more than enough to get the message across and complete strangers in the audience became acquaintances as we smile briefly at each other through teary faces; not for sadness, but for the overwhelming effect of the intensity and flawlessness of their voices.

Offsetting the deeply emotional vocal solos and choral crescendos, is a series of beautifully energetic dance intermissions, showcasing the unmatched athleticism in traditional African choreography. In the final quarter, the choir performed a reimagined version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Gerry and the Pacemakers (driving my scouse partner into an inconsolable state beside me) before taking us to church with a Deep South-style gospel song with the chutzpah to convert any atheist.

Witnessing the vocal and physical prowess of this act is not just a privilege, it’s a soul-nourishing and spiritual experience you ought not to miss.