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The Kingdom Choir (Roundhouse Festival): Roundhouse, London 22/1/22

If the last two years have taught us anything, it's to embrace the opportunities to get together and have fun. As gospel icon Karen Gibson acknowledges, music is a powerful force in bringing people together, and after endless months of being forced to stay apart, this is more needed than ever. Gibson is leader and conductor of The Kingdom Choir, a multi-talented collective of singers who know more than most just how brutal the impact of the pandemic has been.

They were thrust into the global spotlight when they performed an astounding version of "Stand By Me" at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and demand for their performances had never been higher. But with the onset of the pandemic all that changed, and choir members were forced to practice using Zoom. Many balance their work in the UK's best-known gospel choir with teaching, and Gibson is rightly proud of the way they have changed young people's lives.

There was a palpable sense of joy as The Kingdom Choir took to the stage at The Roundhouse for a special Saturday night show during the In The Round Festival. Boasting an array of musical talent, they proceeded to tear through a compelling set drawing in some of the most joyful religious and feel-good soul songs around.

A crowd of all ages were suitably wowed by performances of standards including "Oh Happy Day", "Something Inside", "What A Wonderful World" and "Harvest For The World". Under Gibson's watchful eye, singers stepped forward to take centre stage, and it was testimony to the ability at the choir's disposal that nothing felt like filler and there were no weak performances all night.

Taking on a medley of Aretha Franklin tracks was a bold move but in the Choir's capable hands it was a highlight on a night of highlights.
The harmonies and togetherness were astonishing, and as you'd expect, the performance of "Stand By Me" was first-rate.

In troubled times, there will always be a role for joyful, uplifting music, and providing this is a role the Kingdom Choir are more than happy to fulfil.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke