'SA music talent world-class'
2007-02-13 09:33
Johannesburg - Messages of congratulations have been pouring in for The Soweto Gospel Choir after they won a Grammy Award (Best Traditional World Music Album) for their album Blessed.
Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan said on Monday the Soweto Choir's achievement demonstrates that South Africa not only has the potential to raise its voice and compete with its international counterparts, but that it's of world class.
"South African choral music has won wide recognition in the past because it resonated with the hearts and souls of human kind and the Soweto Gospel Choir is firmly rooted in that tradition."
'We all take pride in your achievement'
"This award is shared by millions of choristers, conductors and composers who have gone unrecognised over the decades. Their belief in choral music has been vindicated by this award."
Jordan said the lyrical content of the music was cosmopolitan and universal and told the story of "one human family under one heaven".
"Well done, we all take pride in your achievement," he said.
Need more media coverage of local talent
The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) also offered words of congratulations to the choir.
Spokesperson Patrick Craven has expressed his hope that local media will now devote more coverage to the brilliant local talent.
"Let us hope that their triumph will convince the local media, especially the public broadcaster, the SABC, to devote far more coverage to our brilliant local musicians, actors and creative artists in all sectors of arts and culture, who are of world-class standard, as the Soweto choir has proved."
- SAPA