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BET and the UK: Yes We Can!
London, Thursday 5th February 2009.
The Odeon in Leicester Square saw the UK launch of the BET of 'Celebration of Gospel' show.
Rachel-Yvonne was there.
The guest list read like a who’s who of the British gospel music Industry, combined with leading Black majority church leaders.
I, for one, was eager to see what BET had in store for us. 'Celebration Of Gospel' is now in its 10th Year but this was the first time that an international act has been featured in the show, and - to crown it all - that was our very own Muyiwa.
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Delivered by
Rachel-Yvonne
McIntosh
We were welcomed by Glen Yearwood, the
organiser of this event, who encouraged us to network
and take advantage of the delicious food provided by
Caribbean Caterers.
It was a great opportunity to rub shoulders with UK
Gospel greats like Noel Robinson and John
Fisher, and many a business deal was conducted
whilst we waited.
The afternoon began with Glen explaining that there was a gap in the UK TV market for more Black centred programmes, which is why he campaigned to have BET on SKY and Freesat.
Roy Francis explained further by sharing how Muyiwa was chosen to be the first international act (not just a UK one) to perform on Celebration of Gospel: after an extensive search of UK artists, Muyiwa and Riversongz were one of a shortlist of five acts recommended to BET, who made the final decision as to who they wanted...
Roy then asked the gathered audience to:
Pray for BET – staff and all that are involved with the networkSupport BET by watching the channelAdvertise on BET, which gives a widespread profile to those who advertise on the channel.Support our community: church and artists by purchasing their albums, and going to their concerts.Pay tribute to Muyiwa for his hard work, and his ability to build and sustain relationships
The last speaker of the day was Ava Hall, Vice President of BET International. She was happy with BET's decision to have Muyiwa on the show, and spoke warmly of the US crowd’s response to his performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
We then watched an exclusive preview of the 'Celebration of Gospel' show which was due to be aired a few days later on Sunday 8th February. It was exciting, with legends such as Vickie Winans, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary, along with our very own Muyiwa.
We also saw exclusive preview of a hot new show called 106 and Gospel, a gospel-oriented show based on BET's 106 and Park format, which is definitely one to watch. I can see artists like Guvna B and Ryan Carty making guest appearances on this show!
It’s exciting times for UK Gospel, and BET is serious about bridging the gap between us. The UK Gospel industry is not very well known in America, but opportunities like this will end all that.
Although BET stands for 'Black Entertainment Television' it's quite clear that the UK's involvement will not be exclusive to Black artists. By appearing on BET, we won’t be alienating other cultures, but rather letting the world know that true ‘Black’ music has no colour over here, as we have a number of groups with a mixture of nationalities, like the London Community Gospel Choir for example...
For this to work, it’s gonna take a lot of money and time that we here in the UK have to offer.
The answer is in hundreds of churches up and down the UK... We thank BET for having confidence in us, AND yes BET, we’re ready!
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I really didn't want my picture here, but I'm bowing to pressure.
Freelance journalist, all-round nice guy.
Has a weird obsession with international gospel music.
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Have your say: BET UK
wow, I had no idea 106 & Gospel had been axed..that's a shame.
But i def agree with you george, we need to be self-sufficient over here.
The potential here is massive and therefore needs everyone to be supportive.
Hope UK does truly mean the UK and not just our faithful brothers and sisters in London. There is so much going on across the nation and it would really enrich the community if everyone countrywide is included ... I am sure this is the case.
Anyway BET you have our thanks and support on this one.
Yinka and team please keep delivering the news ... we need you guys
@ George: indeed. According to Black Christian News.com the show only debuted 3 months ago too! Read the story here.
Well, I'm in the US as Itype this... and the bad news here is that 106 & Gospel (the 'hot new show' Rachel mentioned in this report) has been axed. Sad news - but again a reminder to us non-Americans that we need to stop being overly dependent on the USA for our advancement and forge our own way forward.