Episode 14 - Shimmy Jiyane
To say South Africa, has a strong history of song and dance… is a pretty big understatement. And few acts from the country have been as beloved or successful as the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Todays guest is SHIMMY JIYANE a singer, dancer, choir master, choreographer and a Founding Member with the choir.
We recorded this episode backstage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in 2019 just prior to a performance by the choir.
The Soweto Gospel Choir have five grammy nominations, three 3 wins and have performed alongside some of the music businesses who’s who: Bono, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder the list goes on…
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Check out his new record featuring Musicians Hall of Fame Louie Shelton & Bass legend Nathan East.
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Produced by Old Fashioned Studios
Hosted by Bradley McCaw
Sound design by Matt Erskine & Cross Point Solutions
Story Producer & additional engineering by Gilang Candraditya
Theme composed by James Ryan
SHIMMY JIYANE:
As long as he can remember, Shimmy has wanted to dance. He has realised his dream with performances in shows with the fabulous Tina Turner and South African stars like Vicki Samson, and choreographers Adele Blank, David Matamela and Debbie Rakusin. In fact it was David and Debbie who took Shimmy to greater heights, recognising his inherent talents and turning his natural exuberance into quality performances in contemporary jazz and traditional dance. 1997 he was a member of Vusa Dance Company’s ‘African Moves’ which performed to capacity audiences at the Melbourne International Festival. This was followed in 1998 by a nationwide tourof Australia. Shimmy now choreographs, dances and performs – he was nominated for a FNB Vita Award and he has appeared on numerous stage and TV shows. His past work with the Gospel group Joyous Celebration moved him into improving his vocal capacities. Shimmy has been choreographing Soweto Gospel Choir for many years and his imagination and knowledge of African dance has played an integral part in the success of the choir’s performances. Although initially brought into the choir as a dancer, Shimmy has become a lead tenor with a hauntingly sweet voice.