The latest grand US state visit in the form of SXSW London took over the lanes of Shoreditch for a week-long celebration of business, tech, music, art & culture from 2-8 June. Amongst the hive of activity, UK Gospel music was well represented in trailblazing events organised by GMIA and Premier Gospel respectively at Shoreditch Church.
On Thursday evening GMIA presented a showcase of accomplished gospel choirs starting with Kent University Gospel Choir, winners of this year’s UGCY (University Gospel Choir of the Year) competition. Next Liverpool Lighthouse choirs delighted the audience with familiar classics such as ‘Mary Mary’, followed by an energetic performance from the inimitable Clive Brown & Urban Sound. The evening reached a crescendo with Kingdom Choir taking over the stage, with eponymous choir director Karen Gibson MBE sharing a positive, uplifting message with the growing crowd. It was exciting to witness the space fill with curious stragglers captivated by the Spirit filled energy and sound, until there was standing room only. We have it on good authority that PRS employees present were still talking about it a week later!
Friday night saw Premier Gospel host an impressive showcase with a fine selection of the UK’s best urban gospel artists. Melodees from Heaven were followed by some of gospel rap’s finest, including Guvna B, Eugy and the two Shadey’s – Still Shadey and Y. Shadey – making Kingdom business family business! Eugy shared openly his testimony of wanting to experience all the secular side of music can offer, thrill seeking included, to having a change of heart when he encountered Jesus in New York. Proving whether you are named Jonah or Eugy, there is no running away from the Lord!
Although as a whole the event had a strong corporate feel given its sheer size and scope, with high profile celebrities and politicians, even King Charles, making an appearance, its safe to say hosting two key events at SXSW London was a veritable triumph for the UK gospel scene. Long may it continue.
