Known for bringing African gospel into the hearts of audiences worldwide, the London African Gospel Choir have announced an exhilarating performance of Paul Simon’s classic Graceland, which will be performed by 16 members of the choir.
On the night the audience can expect unforgettable arrangements of Paul Simon songs such as ‘The Boy In The Bubble’, ‘Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes’ and ‘You Can Call Me Al’. The renowned choir frequently headline their own tours around the world, with dates regularly selling out, along with appearing on festival bills around the UK and Europe. In 2018, they performed at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast and on the All Together Now main stage.
It’s the meaning of the words that counts and Paul Simon’s Graceland – acclaimed as one of the most iconic records in rock and roll history upon its release in 1986 – is a perfect fit with its uplifting lyrics and South African rhythms and melodies. In the wake of Graceland‘s 30th anniversary, Camden’s Jazz Café commissioned the London African Gospel Choir to perform the album in its entirety for one night only. Tickets sold out within hours and so five more nights were added which all sold out thus confirming the enduring appeal of Paul Simon’s masterpiece and also the growing excitement generated by the Choir’s string of notable stage and television appearances.
Over the years the choir has performed on stage and television with stars like Emile Sande, Mumford & Sons, Tom Jones and The Soweto Gospel Choir, with whom they made a triumphant appearance at London’s 02 Arena in front of 17,000 people. Annie Lennox also invited them to perform at a number of prestigious events including the MIT Awards. The choir has worked with actor/director Idris Elba, star of Mandela: Long Road To Freedom, who recruited them for an album celebrating South African music which was recorded in tribute to Nelson Mandela.
