Funny old game, this gospel thing... We're all experts.
We know exactly what it needs to sound like. And we also know precisely who best represents it. And to some that ain't Beverley Knight. I make no apologies for the statement. I'm just calling it as some people seem to see it.
I'll set out my own stall at this stage: in the universe I inhabit, things are a little less black and white. BBC Radio Two is widely considered to be the most listened-to station in the country, and that curiously becomes a double-edged sword for specialist/niche genres like ours: they're going to need a 'name' to champion the cause for mass consumption.
Like it or not, we don't have anyone with that kind of profile - yet. I've made this point before: the onus lies with us to get it together and get on with the business of (to use a word coined precisely for the purpose) 'mainstreaming'.
This series (we're on the fourth) is now down to 30 minutes with a later time slot (11:00 pm), down from what now seems like a luxurious 8 p.m/1 hour format of series three.
In light of that fact, someone is obviously fighting our corner. And while there's no doubt a divine hand is at work, I'm making a less celestial refrerence.
What better way to bring you the inside scoop on this series than to bring you the inside scoop from someone who has the inside scoop...? (Sorry, had to have a bit of fun with that... )
And it doesn't get more inside than a having a series recap from the producer of the show, Bernard Achampong. As we're now a few shows deep into this series, and Bernard brings you the inside track.
In case you're still wondering: I'm a Beverley Knight fan.
Enjoy...
Yinka Awojobi
Content Development
Beverley's Gospel Nights: Series 4 Recap by Bernard Achampong
It's being nearly two years between this series and the last. We're now halfway through the series and the journey in itself has been a testimony of God at work. Once again Beverley Knight is our guide to the wonderful world of Gospel.
We've had everything thing to deal with and overcome: from challenging Border Control regulations to chasing artists halfway around the world. We've seen the impossible made possible and the improbable become incredible.
Each guest in this series have brought a specific energy or challenge, and all are testimony to the great range within the ministry of Gospel music. Each artist reaches out to a different audience and have a different way of engaging through their background and experience.
The series started with Yazz who set out the stall in no uncertain terms
that her ministry is for Christ. I was even questioned as to whether this
would be the appropriate guest for the first show as it came across as
'too religious'. :-)
Ruby Turner is practically the 'go-to' artist in Britain for
'Black female artists with a Soul' background (other than Beverley Knight
of course).
She too in her way and her work with Jools Holland is bringing the
message to a mainstream, sophisticated audience.
You probably don't get more mainstream than the ACM Gospel Choir.
Again, some Christians have suggested that having a choir that sing in a
gospel style for a mass audience misrepresents Gospel.
This to me raises a very important question - who is qualified to
spread The Word? A question we dealt with in the interview.
There is no doubt about Ann Nesby who brings the heritage of
Gospel as is recognised outside the church, but is also a
dynamic representative of the way Gospel is moving today
within its own industry and ministry.
Beverley Trotman represents the new, up and coming artists –
when the passion for spreading the Gospel and worship is often the
strongest and least jaded. It is evident that she has a hunger...
for souls.
Finally and by no means least is Jahaziel. Another controversial
choice: why should a Hip Hop artist have a place on Radio 2?
It's not known for its association with the genre (unless you count
Terry Wogan breakdancing in that Children in Need promo).
However the interview is not an apologetic nod to Hip Hop. From the first
question Beverley goes deep and explores the relationship between
where Jahaziel is compared to the likes of Notorious B.I.G. through their
similar album titles (Ready to Live vs. Ready to Die)
All in all this has been another incredible series which continues the discussion on how we 'do' Gospel in the mainstream.
I would appreciate your views but please listen to the shows first before you make a comment that might come back and bite you :-).
Thanks.
Bernard P Achampong
Senior Producer
Beverley's Gospel Nights
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I want something like this!
CADET: REALISE...
This one's getting a whole lot of love on the underground - New video from Cadet, following on from his 2007 debut EP.
Cadet on Twitter
Video by Trail Pictures
Yinka Awojobi
Founder, UKG/ UKGospel.com group of sites.
I really didn't want my picture here, but I'm bowing to pressure.
George Luke
Freelance journalist, all-round nice guy.
Has a weird obsession with international gospel music.
Team page
Hey Andrea!!
You're too kind. Got your email as well.
Will try and call you in the next few days to get the ball rolling.
.
As regards your presence on this site: LOOOOONG over due!!
.
You can also check out the blog for more frequent updates!
.
Speak in the next few days...