Praise Singers: The Pioneers of South African Gospel

Praise Singers are a celebrated South African gospel choir known for their powerful vocal harmonies and uplifting spiritual music. Formed in the late 1990s, the group achieved mainstream success by blending traditional isicathamiya and mbube styles with contemporary gospel, leading to several gold-certified albums.

Early career

The collective first came together in 1997 in the township of Soweto, Johannesburg, founded by choir master and composer Sipho "Mkhize" Ndlovu. Their initial focus was performing at local church services and community events, where their raw, emotive sound quickly garnered a devoted following.

This grassroots popularity led to their first independent recording, the 1999 cassette-only release Uthando LukaJesu. The demo's circulation caught the attention of Gallo Record Company, one of Africa's oldest labels, which signed the choir to a development deal in early 2001.

Breakthrough

The choir's major breakthrough arrived in 2003 with their sophomore album, Izwi Lakho, released under the Gallo imprint. The lead single, "Vuma," became a nationwide radio hit, propelling the album to number four on the South African Top 40 and earning a gold certification for sales exceeding 20,000 units.

This commercial success established Praise Singers as a formidable force in the modern gospel scene, leading to performances at major events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Their 2006 follow-up, Amandla KaNkulunkulu, solidified their status, debuting at number two and achieving platinum status.

Key tracks

Vuma — This 2003 single was their first major chart hit, defining their signature call-and-response vocal style.

Hlalela — A standout track from their platinum album, it became an anthem in churches across Southern Africa.

Ngiyabonga Baba — This 2009 collaboration with legendary singer Rebecca Malope expanded their audience significantly.

Kuyo Jeka — Featured on their 2012 album Indumiso, this song showcased a more polished, contemporary production.

Thina Sobabili — A 2018 release that marked a return to their roots with intricate a cappella harmonies.

The group's influence extended through notable collaborations, including studio work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a live performance with American gospel star Kirk Franklin in 2015. Despite member rotations over the years, their core sound has remained consistent, with later albums like 2020's Umphumulo continuing to chart within the Top 20 of the South African gospel charts.

Fans of Praise Singers' vibrant and soul-stirring music also enjoy the powerful choral work of Soweto Gospel Choir, another multiple Grammy-winning ensemble from South Africa. The traditional Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo share clear roots with Praise Singers' foundational style. For a more contemporary gospel fusion, listeners gravitate toward Joyous Celebration, a large collective also known for its annual live recordings. The inspirational messages and rich vocals of Rebecca Malope, South Africa's "Queen of Gospel," present a similar spiritual resonance.

Praise Singers' catalog is a staple on dedicated gospel and inspirational music radio stations, both on terrestrial FM and digital streams. Their uplifting anthems are frequently featured in daytime rotation and special weekend gospel programming blocks, connecting with listeners seeking spiritual enrichment through music.

You can experience the powerful gospel music of Praise Singers on various radio stations featured here. Tune in to discover their inspirational discography through the dedicated gospel and South African music channels available on onairium.com.