The choir emerged as one of the best-loved acts at the festival which attracted over 330,000 revelers from across the world. The Soweto Gospel Choir debuted at the festival in 2003, managing to raise £9 000 in their first year. This enabled them to launch a charity for Aids orphans and to donate a total of £1-million towards impoverished children in Africa.

Sipokazi Luzipo, a member of the choir, told the BBC that “Next year is a very tight schedule for us. We will be touring right through and we do not have time to come here for a month.”

Despite this, Luzipo indicated that they would always remember the Edinburgh Fringe as the stepping stone to their international career. She said “It is a bit sad for us. It is our farewell year. I think that is why we are giving it so much passion.”

To date they have won two Grammy Awards, both for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008.