ime seemed concertinaed as the Soweto Gospel Choir?s two-hour performance passed in a flash of vibrant costumes, dancing and song.

And with the inclement weather outside during the weekend, many in the audience probably arrived without their sunglasses in their pockets, not expecting they might need to wear them inside.

But the dazzling, technicolour costumes of the Soweto Gospel Choir created a visual delight that even Bermuda?s sun-blessed landscape would be hard pressed to outdo.

There was a primal beauty to the music and artistry that crossed boundaries of race and colour. Not surprisingly with so much of the material hailing from Africa, the cradle of all mankind.

For everyone in the audience at the Ruth Seaton James Centre, regardless of their cultural upbringing, there were recognisable rhythms and lyrics within the more than 20 songs performed.

From a snatch of Bob Marley?s universal One Love, to Solomon Linda?s Mbube (also known as The Lion Sleeps Tonight), and timeless traditionals Amazing Grace and Khumbaya, there was a touchstone for everyone.

But it was the songs from Southern Africa that created the most spellbinding moments. Sung in the languages of Zulu, Sotho and Xhosa the 24-strong choir never missed a beat.

At times individual members of the choir took lead vocal duties and it was the smallest member of the ensemble who caught the ear of many in the theatre.

Orange Free State-born Lehakwe Tlali is only 19 but has a powerful voice that defies her size and youth. Her second-half passionate rendition of the traditional Modimo, sung in Zulu, was a show-stopper.

Along with her unquestionable dancing talent, shown to great effect during the finale of the evening, the choir?s youngest member is one to watch for in the future.

Assistant choir master Lucas Bok?s individual stage presence and sunshine smile had touches of Sammy Davis Jr.

The multi-talented maestro augmented his choir leading duties with singing, dancing and playing bass guitar with the backing band.

The choir was formed in 2002, and it was easy to appreciate why it has had a meteoric rise in popularity around the world, with high profile tours of Europe and the US already completed and a role in Nelson Mandela?s 46664 concert in Cape Town in 2003. The three shows in Bermuda, which were extended to four at the last minute to cope with demand for tickets, are a prelude to another North American tour.

On tonight?s showing the choir can expect more rave reviews as they promote their second CD Blessed.

During a moment of calm in the high-energy show, the choir delighted the audience by running through a vocal warm-up exercise in English, Italian and Sotho.

As if the singing was not enough to keep everyone happy, the ensemble?s dancing skills were put on display at various points during the evening, with the men performing an athletic high-kicking routine, and at one stage even moving into the realm of 1980s break-dancing.

As a celebration of native song and story-telling and the cultural impact of African music across the world, the Soweto Gospel Choir?s performance at the Bermuda Festival could not be faulted.

From the a cappella renditions to the full-blown African gospel, earthy rhythms and drum percussion, the choir deserved their standing ovations and encore at the Ruth Seaton James Centre.

Following the success of this weekend, Bermuda Festival organisers must surely be working on how to entice the choir back for more next year.