The Sout Project is a vision woven into song. The vision includes multiple strands, and is:

Southern

In a world dominated by the global north, The Sout Project offers a voice from the south, and from Africa. In a world whose guiding story - individualism, rationalism, consumerism and technological obsession - has become discredited, it is time for a new approach, connected, sustainable, and communal. The African concept of Ubuntu - generous personhood - offers the antidote to ills whose source is too often found in the colonialism and industrialisation which typifies this Northern narrative. And musically, via rhythm and song, Africa is the innovator, not just the consumer.

Embracing

The Sout Project reflects a vision which is spiritually inclusive, and culturally diverse.

We hope it will draw spiritual seekers towards a God who accepts all, and whose love is at the very heart of all creation. It is our hope that the music will unite people of diverse faith traditions, and reveal the God of the bible not as the excluding judge or conquering warrior but as the restoring father and compassionate mother of all.

The people of faith are called to bring beauty, fullness and cultural newness to the world, mixing and remixing the raw ingredients of life into continually evolving forms. In the words of The Message, Jesus says to his followers, "You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth."

Musically, this means new fusions between traditions and styles. In this 21st century eclecticism, organic electronica is imbued with the soul of medieval mystics. African choral styles and Indian rhythms meet Celtic folk and house beats. The Sout Project goes where few dare to tread - the liminal space between genres, spawning multifaceted fusions and discovering fresh combinations, without regard for the categories of marketing textbooks.

Conversational

Rather than proclaiming well crafted arguments, static statements of belief, or clichéd and sentimental propositions, the Project grew from a conversation. It remains on the way, in process, and open source, and the musical recording is thus a by-product of many influences and traditions, people and movements, who have come to rediscover the power of shared space and the synergy which results from honest, open conversation.

Liturgical

The Sout project seeks a new sense of Liturgy. To many this means the irrelevant duties of elite priesthoods. However, at its root, the word Liturgy means the "work of the people". It is thus the participatory exploration of the sacred as expressed in community.

But the Liturgy envisioned by the Project goes further. Not only does it involve the sanctity of all life, but it is at the same time fully committed to all forms of loving community, as well as creativity in all its expressions. This balance - between the sacred, the communal and the creative - is rarely achieved, with one or another of the elements tending to dominate - but it is our hope that this is possible.