From the mid-20th century, gospel choirs have been vital to keeping Christian communities – especially the Windrush generation – together. And as we’ve seen, some of the choirs still stand more than 50 years on.
In fact, choirs such as the LCGC and ELGC have shown how gospel music and gospel choirs have expanded exponentially. They have gone from church and community congregations to not only bringing gospel music onto popular stage, but becoming sought-after back-up singers for pop icons. Kids raised singing gospel have become lead singers in genres such as soul, blues, rap and even intrinsically East End music like grime.
I have attempted to present a snapshot history of gospel choirs in east London. This is where many Caribbean immigrants first settled and formed choirs when traditional UK churches excluded them. Much more work remains to document the rich gospel music history here. But it’s clear these groups have kept faith and culture thriving through generations.
The author is Founder, Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA), is a governing body for the Gospel Music
Community across the UK and Ireland. GMIA promotes UK Gospel music as derived
from the African, American and Caribbean musical experience relating to the
Christian faith.
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