Review

This CD is not for everyone. Better yet, if you're looking for a run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter installment in this live worship series from Vineyard, you'll be very disappointed. I believe I can safely say that there is nothing else in the realm of recorded worship that even comes close to what you'll hear on "Live from South Africa".

While this CD delivers some wonderful, authentic worship in the native tongues of Zulu and Sotho, most of it is only useful for listening in the car or in personal times of worship, (unless you are up to the challenge of leading your congregation from an overhead that's completely in Zulu). Six of the ten songs appearing here are performed in one of three native tongues to South Africa, and while this doesn't detract from the worship, it does set limits on those who will find it appealing.

The first two songs are completely performed in this refreshing authenticity by worship leader Silulama Maphongwane. "Thula Sizwe" and "Spontaneous Song" are both wonderful songs of worship that express a humble desire for the nation of South Africa to "be still...don't cry" and know that "Jehovah will conquer..." (translation provided).

The third track, Brent Helming's "You Shelter Me", is a bewildering mix of American blues-rock and tribal percussion that (as impossible as it sounds) actually works as it blends these two cultural extremes into a single theme of God's protection and care.

Silulama returns on track four with "Moving With The Lamb". This time he sings in English, but the lyrics are a bit perplexing when read out of the context of the worship set as he sings,

"I'm moving with the Lamb,
moving with the Lamb,
I'm surrounded.
I'm strolling with the Lamb,
strolling with the King of Kings.
Stepping with the Lamb,
stepping over my sins"
Still, there is an undeniable sense that he is giving his whole heart to the worship of the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, with childlike faith and devotion.

In fact, the overall tone and spirit of this recording is extremely simple and gentle. Even when the tribal drums are pounding, there is always a sense that these worship leaders, and those joining them in worship, are doing so out of a simple, and sincere heart.

Vineyard Music Group is to be commended for taking such risks to release a worship CD that is not aimed as much to the worship leader or any "target market" as it is to those who long to have a glimpse through the windows of worship into other tongues and cultures.

This installment in the Winds of Worship series may not compare to the polish and production of past efforts, but what it lacks in the "hit single" department it more than makes up for in the "authentic worship" spectrum.

If you're looking for the chance to be swept away to another place and to partake in a refreshingly new worship detour, then "Live from South Africa" is the best place to start.

Review by Keith Giles