HISTORY OF HOUSE
South African superstars Soweto Gospel Choir reimagine the world’s greatest dance music classiCS through a global perspective.
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Grammy Global Spin Performance
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ON THE WORLD RADIO
Celebrating dance music’s roots in Africa, global music superstars Soweto Gospel Choir and renowned Australian DJ Groove Terminator team up with Grammy-winning producer Latroit to present ‘History of House,’ a global reimagination of the iconic dance music classics that defined a generation.
Featuring exquisite multilingual vocal performances and collaborations with some of Southern Africa's most promising emerging artists, "History of House" stands as a vibrant celebration of music and culture. This album transcends boundaries, effortlessly connecting diverse cultures across generations with an authentic fusion of global beats, Afro house, Amapiano, and house music.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
MEET THE ARTISTS
Soweto Gospel Choir
3x Grammy winners Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in 2002 to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music. The choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto in Johannesburg South Africa and is dedicated to sharing joy, faith, culture & language through music with audiences globally.
Groove terminator
Arguably Australia’s first ‘Superstar DJ’, Simon Lewicki has been at the top of his game as both a DJ and music industry professional for over 34 years. His #1 single “Is It Love” rocketed him to international fame, culminating in Gold records and nominations for Best Male Artist at the ARIA Awards. He is the Creative Director of the Ministry of Sound orchestral tour and creator of the ‘History of House’ tour with Soweto Gospel Choir.
Latroit
Producer and Mixer of History of House, Dennis White (LATROIT) is a Grammy Award winning, certified platinum selling producer who’s contributions to electronic music spans three decades.
Recorded in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Australia, Los Angeles
TRACKLIST
SIDE ONE
SILENCE.
(1997) Originally performed by Delerium featuring Sarah McLachlan.
An emotional acappella performance sets the tone for the album by immediately defying expectations. This seminal trance classic is masterfully transformed into a powerful gospel spiritual, creating a profound and moving auditory experience.
TROUBLED.
A sublime rendition of the immediately recognizable melody from the 1937 historical field recording of Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame winner Vera Hall, "Troubled" amplifies the intersection of musical passion, ancestral respect, and popular culture. This piece offers a poignant homage that resonates across generations.
GOOD LIFE.
(1988) Originally performed by Inner City
Arguably the first song to elevate dance music from the underground to the radio mainstream in the 1980s, the Kevin Saunderson and Inner City classic 'Good Life' continues to shine with its uplifting message. In this rendition, vocal performances in Zulu, Setswana, and Sekgalagari by the Choir and Botswana-based artist Chantty Natural ensure that the positive message resonates, transcending language barriers.
WORLD HOLD ON.
(2006) Originally performed by Bob Sinclar featuring Steve Edwards.
An immediate standout, the message of this seminal Bob Sinclar and Steve Edwards composition has never been more relevant. This rendition features a defining vocal performance delivered in Zulu by choir member Shimmy Jiyane, enhancing the song's impactful cultural significance.
PHUMULA.
This recording celebrates two subtle yet significant aspects of the album. Firstly, it features the discreet use of recordings of the choir improvising together, captured unknowingly between takes. Secondly, it highlights the unique log drum sound used throughout the project. This sound was created from a custom recording of the only 'Bass Kalimba' in the world handcrafted by Swiss instrument maker AC Van Hoboken, and
EVERYBODY’S FREE (TO FEEL GOOD).
(1991) Originally performed by Rozalla.
A powerful rendition of the classic 'Everybody's Free,' originally recorded by Zimbabwean artist Rozalla. This version, produced by South African Amapiano artist Stakev, infuses the track with a relaxed energy and sophistication, enhancing the song's poignant message about freedom and choice.
SIDE TWO
RIDE LIKE THE WIND.
(1980) Originally performed by Christopher Cross.
This energetic rendition of the immediately recognizable classic by Christopher Cross transforms into an Afro-house anthem, featuring deeply performative sections with percussionist Duke Mushroom, vocalist Pamela Hlabangwana, and trumpet player Aaron Janik improvising off each other during a climactic third act.
PRIDE (A DEEPER LOVE).
(1991) Originally performed by Clivillés & Cole.
A sublime take on the 90’s cultural anthem originally written and released by C+C Music Factory, "Pride (A Deeper Love)" effortlessly blends downtempo chill house with global music vibes, featuring rich vocal performances in both Zulu and English.
FREE.
(1997) Originally performed by Ultra Naté.
With A standout performance and arrangement by the Choir, this version of the Ultra Nate classic boasts organic instrumental performances over an Afro house beat, effortlessly authentic to every genre it explores
CHILDREN.
(1995) Originally performed by Robert Miles.
A beautifully reflective interpretation of the instrumental trance-anthem originally written and recorded by Robert Miles, reworked in to an emotionally evocative down tempo Amapiano piece
YOU GOT THE LOVE.
(1986) Originally performed by The Source featuring Candi Staton.
Closing the experience with a sublime musical production and vocal performance that manages to feel both melancholy and uplifting, ‘You The Love’ offers a poignant message of hope, love, faith, and spirituality, which resonates deeply in our current times.
CONTACT
RADIO: jessica@co-sign.com
PRESS: hschwartz@shorefire.com
LABEL: john@musicisfun.com
