Paris sways to the Soweto Gospel Choir

Audiences at the Théâtre du Châtelet in the French capital this past week have been delighting in the sights and sounds of the Soweto Gospel Choir.

In a run lasting just six days, the group has been serving up its own mix of traditional African gospel songs along with US spirituals, reggae and popular music all combined with the colour and power of dance in what is described on its website as "sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world."

"Certainly not unique" began perhaps rather harshly the review in the French national daily Le Monde, pointing out that there are dozens of gospel choirs in South Africa.

"And not necessarily perfect either" it continued, maybe not too far off the mark as the sound levels weren’t always faultless although that might well have had more to do with the venue than the voices.

But the sheer energy and enthusiasm from the choral ensemble complete with some powerful dance moves demonstrated clearly why the group has quickly built up an international reputation since it was formed in 2002, garnered two Grammy awards for its albums and won plaudits and fans around the world.

As even Le Monde had to admit, there’s no getting away from how impressive the Soweto Gospel Choir is, or its appeal.

"The depth and quality of voices, the fascinating energy of the dances, the shimmering colours; with the Soweto Gospel Choir, all conspire to seduce the public," it enthused.

And the Paris audience certainly seemed to be seduced.

Even as the group made its way through the first selection of African traditional songs which might not have been familiar to an initially rather polite and unnecessarily restrained public, any inhibitions those in the audience might have had were quickly cast aside as they began clapping in time and warmed to the rhythm.

That’s surely the strength of the choir: its ability to make an audience relax and (collectively) get to its feet to join in.

From African traditional the group switched to songs that had no religious undertones but were nonetheless "spiritual" and familiar to anyone.

Bob Marley’s "One Love" was given the gospel treatment and a rendition of "Bridge over troubled water" had the two lead singers giving inspirational rafter-raising performances of the Simon and Garfunkel classic.

Some more traditional gospel songs, a sketch "In the canteen" which illustrated the group’s ability to add humour to the performance, the instantly recognisable "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and some more spectacular dancing.

Throughout the choir swayed, leaned, shuffled, and clapped in rhythm. The audience too got in on the act keeping time to the beat. Clearly the exuberance and enjoyment of those performing on stage was infectious.

And then all too soon it was the final song "World in Union" made famous by, among others of course, the South African male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The audience demanded - and got - a two-song encore: more magnificent dancing accompanied Johnny Clegg’s "Asimbonanga" and the gospel standard that probably everyone knew, "Oh Happy Day", which inevitably brought the whole theatre to its feet.

It’s hardly surprising then that wherever it performs the Soweto Gospel Choir elicits descriptions such as "Spirited and spectacular", "Sheer jubilation...earthy and unrestrained...the rhythm of life" or "Sparky, spiritual and spellbinding".

And few at the Paris performances will have found fault with any of those and similar reviews - probably hoping that it won’t be too long before the choir makes a welcome return.

The Soweto Gospel Choir completes its short run at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris with a final performance on Monday November 9.