STYLE: World RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 81806-15840 LABEL: Integrity SARCD142 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 2 EXTRAS: Bonus DVD RELEASE DATE: 2009-07-01 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Alastair McCollum
With two thousand people in attendance, an 80 piece choir and full band, this selection of worship from the Johannesburg-based Rhema South Church was always going to offer a big sound. And it does. Yet at the same time the sheer size of the project doesn't overwhelm the listener with overblown bombast but allows the listener to engage with the ensemble and, at times, even feel intimately involved in this act of worship. Skilfully produced and with songs that reflect the multicultural make up of this famed mega-church, this is a very impressive album. Standouts include the Latin feel of "Come And Praise" and "Praise Praise" that could induce the listener engaging in some hip swaying (even whilst seated!). Then there is the intimate sound of "Unfailing Love" and "Worship You" while the exuberant openers sung in Zulu and English "Africa Praise" and "Akekho Onjengaye" are delightful.
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Product Description
Rhema South Church is a well respected ministry in the South of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Reach Out CD/DVD is a true live multicultural praise and worship celebration which not only refl ects the church’s multiethnic/ multigenerational congregation, but is very representative of the diversity of the Church of South Africa.
The songs were written by church members and are in a mixture of Zulu and English with various tempos and musical styles ranging from vibrant Mbanqanga in Akekho Onjegaye (There is no one like You) and R&B/Gospel in Come & Praise the Lord and Praise Praise Praise, to the intimate Unfailing Love, Worship You and So Beautiful.
The recording took place with in excess of 2000 worshippers in attendance, an 80 member choir, and a full band and various worship leaders including R&B recording artist Marlon Van.