Reverend Bazil Meade joined with Lawrence Johnson and Delroy Powell in 1983 to present the first concert gospel choir in the U.K. The choir — which evolved into the London Community Gospel Group the following year — continues to inspire audiences with their uplifting approach to spiritual music. With their mixture of gospel, swing, and R&B set to sophisticated choreography, the group continue to share their spirited joy.
Under Rev. Meade’s leadership, the London Community Gospel Group has grown into the most successful gospel choir in England. In addition to performing between 100 and 150 shows a year, the group has collaborated in concerts, videos, and studio recordings with a lengthy list of artists includingTina Turner, George Michael, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Elton John, Puff Daddy, Mariah Carey,Sting, and Paul McCartney. Individual members have sung with Terence Trent D’arby, Van Morrison,Mica Paris, Denise Williams, Eternal, Chaka Khan, Depeche Mode, and Stevie Wonder. Several former members — including Ronny Jordan, Jefferson & Whitfield, Nu Colors, Paul Johnson, Lavine Hudson, and Daniel Thomas — have gone on to successful careers on their own.
The London Community Gospel Group, whose register includes fifty members aged 18 to 40, has been involved with several historic events. The group harmonized on South Africa’s anthem during a concert attended by Nelson Mandela in Brixton, South London in July 1996. Two years later, the group performed at the wedding of Mel B of the Spice Girls and were the headliners at the first BBC Proms Gospel Night at Royal Albert Hall. Their most memorable performance remains the soundtrack of the Disney film, The Lion King.