A delighted Shimmy Jiyane, the Choir’s leader, is thrilled to receive news of the Choir’s fourth Grammy nomination in five years. “Each time we receive a nomination it is as exciting as if it’s the first time, and we are very proud to wave the South African flag at the Grammy Awards,” says Jiyane.

Grace is produced by Robin Hogarth and Zwai Bala, with musical directors, Lucas Bok, Vusi Shabalala and Diniloxolo Ndlakuse, and engineer, Richard Mitchell, under the Universal Music label in South Africa.

Other nominations for the Best Contemporary World Music Album (Vocal or Instrumental) are Gyuto Monks of Tibet, Bassekou Kouyate and Ngonia Ba, Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté, and Yayo.

In addition, the Choir is featured, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, on the song ”Baba Yetu” which has been nominated for an arranger’s award in the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), produced and arranged by Christopher Tin.

The Soweto Gospel Choir has brought recognition, pride and honour to South Africa. In 2007 they did South Africa proud by winning the 2007 Grammy Award for their CD, Blessed, in the Best Traditional World Music category, and in 2008 they received their second Grammy Award for their CD, African Spirit, again in the Best Traditional World Music category.

In 2009 the Choir collaborated with international singer, musician and recording artist Peter Gabriel in the closing track, Down to Earth, from the film, Wall-E, which won a Grammy for the Best Song in a Movie category.

Since the Soweto Gospel Choir’s introduction to the world eight years ago, this amazing choir has amassed a growing local and international fan-base and received many local and international awards.

Proudly South African, it is with great anticipation that the Soweto Gospel Choir wait to hear if they will bring home their third Grammy from the 53rd annual Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, 13 February 2011, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

For additional information, visit www.sowetogospelchoir.com.