Gospel Life

A little-known Soweto gospel group called The Soweto Spiritual Singers is on the verge of international success. The 27-member group is in talks with acclaimed R&B singer, R Kelly, and could soon be recording a song with the Grammy award-winning US star.

Formed in 2007, the choral group’s music is rooted to indigenous African Churches such as Methodist and ZCC.

The group’s front man, Nkululeko Vilakazi, confirmed that he is in talks with the R&B powerhouse but declined to reveal more details saying “I will wait until everything is finalised first”.

However, Sowetan today reported that the group started recording the song at a studio in Benoni, Ekurhuleni last night. Vilakasi refused to confirm this. “I don’t want to get people too excited so I will wait for the right time,” he said.

In the article, Sowetan claims to have spoken to a source close to the group who confirmed the recording and revealed that the song will be released locally and internationally ahead of the June 11 kickoff.

The source also revealed that the song was composed by R Kelly as a celebration of the historical 2010 soccer world cup.

“Several groups were asked to submit CDs because R Kelly was looking for a South African choir to work with. They [The Soweto Spiritual Singers] are very excited and they did not care that they were given a short period to record their part,” added the source.