The History of the London Gospel Choir: The Kingdom Choir

Although hip-hop, soul, R&B and other genres are extremely popular, the London-wide Gospel choir, The Kingdom Choir, is still a thriving group throughout the United Kingdom. Through focus and discipline and through precise vocal arrangements, the Kingdom Choir has been able to make strong musical waves.

The beginning of the Kingdom Choir started with a radio program called the Gospel Train. A musical director by the name of Noel Robinson played a huge role in getting gigs for the Kingdom Choir, when they first began making their way through the London Gospel scene.

However, the roots of the Kingdom Choir begin even before the Gospel Train, when some of its members sang with the London-based choir called, “The Church of God of Prophecy (C.O.G.O.P.)”, which was also known as The District Choir. Yet, the Kingdom Choir was first asked to sing even before they had an official name. In fact, a producer named Diane Reid asked the choir to sing at the BBC programme called, “Songs of Praise 35th Birthday”.

This struck the first chord of the Kingdom Choir mission, which was to worship and honour God, and to live their lives directed toward God. Most of the Kingdom Choir members come from all over the southeast part of London. Conversely, the Kingdom Choir members have diverse musical backgrounds, including playing musical instruments, teaching music, and forming their own gospel performing groups.

Throughout their long musical career, the Kingdom Choir has sung with superstars such as Luther Vandross, The Spice Girls, and the famous, Elton John. The Kingdom Choir has also had the privilege to sing before the Queen of England.

The Kingdom Choir has made renowned appearances at the Millennium Dome and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The choir has also performed at the Royal Albert Hall, and they have performed with American gospel sensations such as Helen Baylor, Jessy Dixon, Alvin Slaughter, and Donnie McClurkin.

They have also been known to sing among such world-changers as Nelson Mandela. Furthermore, they have been able to capture their musical vibration and collective harmony on their first recorded work called, "Smile! It's a Brand New Day." The album distributions are made by Integrity Music.

After a well-collaborated partnership to produce the album, proceeds go directly to Christian Aid. The album was produced only after years of singing together all over London. Although the “Smile” album is predominantly influenced by traditional gospel music, the album has some Celtic and Rock influences. There are also some salsa rhythms on the albums, as well.

Christian Aid helps to diminish poverty in over 49 countries on a global scale, and the Smile album from the Kingdom Choir reflects this issue. The album features songs such as, “Love’s In Need of Love Today,” (from Stevie Wonder) “Rejoice,” and “Praise Belongs to Our God.” Other songs featured on the Kingdom Choir include “Brand New Day,” “Guardian Angel,” “I Long to Know You,” and “Oh How You Love Me.”

Keeping a heavy emphasis on worship is what the choir mainly desired with the album. However, because of their collaboration with Christian Aid, which works to change unbalanced circumstances with the poor, the album also has featured songs that tackle issues of social injustice.

With the release of the Smile album by the Kingdom Choir, Christian Aid has been able to establish a long connection with the black church in the British Kingdom, as well as established connections with the choir. Therefore, the positive message that the Kingdom Choir is spreading, also seems to be affective many unexpected relationships. Under the leadership of choir director, Karen Gibson, the Kingdom Choir performs though out London and other areas on evenings and weekends.