The Soweto Gospel Choir will return to Vancouver on October 20 with a performance marking the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's birth. The show at the Orpheum Theatre, titled "Songs of the Free", will feature freedom songs and gospel music as well as traditional South African tunes. 

The 20-member South African ensemble performs in six of South Africa's 11 regional languages. It was founded in 2002 and has performed alongside the likes of Bono, Celine Dion, and Stevie Wonder. The group won with Grammy Award for best traditional world music in 2007 and 2008. 

The choir performed for Mandela several times before his death in 2013. The anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician served as South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999. Mandela served 27 years in prison prior to his presidency, and during his time in government he worked to foster racial reconciliation and dismantle the legacy of apartheid. 

Tickets range from $29 to $61 and are available online or by phone at 604-684-2787.