Mzansi Gospel Essentials

South Africa’s gospel tradition dates back to the arrival of Christian missionaries from Europe and England in the 18th century, but this collection of songs demonstrates how it took on a whole new meaning after Nelson Mandela ushered in a new era of cultural awakening with the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Building on the intricate harmonies and outward-looking approach of global icons Ladysmith Black Mambazo, vocal groups like Joyous Celebration and Soweto Gospel Choir capture feelings of hope and renewal as they reinvent Christian hymns and African American spirituals to incorporate a cappella traditions in Zulu and other South African languages. Lebo Sekgobela and other acclaimed soloists specialize in showstopping vocal performances, while songwriters such as Khaya Mthethwa and Benjamin Dube merge the syncopated grooves and anthemic arrangements of American urban gospel with the call-and-response chants and layered multipart harmonies that have long been a part of South Africa’s musical fabric.