“REAL INFLUENCE DOESN’T ALWAYS SHOUT, IT SERVES” CARLTON SMITH
Written by Praise Afolabi on 14th May 2025
We live in a world that loves the spotlight, the loud, the flashy, the instantly celebrated. But real change? It usually happens in the quiet. In the prayers whispered, the sacrifices made, and the steady, faithful hands of those who serve without expecting applause. In today’s interview session, we want to honour those unsung heroes, the ones whose quiet faithfulness builds communities and whose love holds us together when the noise dies down.
And when we talk about that kind of quiet strength, few people embody it like Carlton Smith,musician, pastor, survivor. From shaping the sound of UK gospel music to facing cancer with unshakable faith, his life is proof that true influence doesn’t need a stage. Get ready for a conversation filled with heart, resilience, and the power of serving when no one’s watching.
WHO IS CARLTON SMITH?
He is a musician, pastor, producer, entrepreneur, creative director, husband and a dad. And most recently, cancer warrior and survivor. Carlton Smith has worn many hats, but titles don’t define him. What really stands out? His quiet strength and a faith that just won’t quit.
Born the first of four kids (two boys, two girls), Carlton was raised by powerhouse parents. Deacon and Evangelist Smith, who helped found the New Testament Assembly Church International UK (NTA) in South London. Carlton lived a life deeply rooted in the church from childhood. He was baptised at 11, and shaped by a legacy of faith and had a rich musical legacy.
When asked what he remembers about those early days of faith and how music shapes him? Here was his response;
Carlton: Growing up, my parents were my only window into faith. They were devout, unwavering, their understanding of the Bible my first blueprint for life. Back then, I saw rules. Now, I see protection, God’s way of steering me clear of harm.
I fought it, of course. I grew up a rebellious child, wishing I could do things my way. Chafed against every boundary, convinced freedom meant no limits. But time has a way of humbling you. Those very constraints I resented? They weren’t holding me back; rather, they held me together, keeping me from cracks I didn’t even see.
I see now that what felt like limitations were protections. God wasn’t restricting me; He was keeping me from falling off the edge. Funny how what feels like confinement can be grace in disguise. You just have to live long enough to recognise it.
Q: Serving under Bishop M.L. Powell and Bishop D.E. Bernard. What lasting lessons did they leave with you?
Carlton: Those men changed my life. They came to the UK facing ‘No Blacks’ signs, no money, no recognition, just faith. Built churches, schools, and even a ministry in Ghana that still stands today.
Saw racism? Yes. But comfort breaks most people, not them. They stayed rooted. No ego, just purpose. Bought buildings, sent ministries worldwide because two humble men refused to take ‘no. They are gone now but their legacy is still moving hearts.
Q: What was it like being in the Crusade Choir and starting Sign of the Times? How did that shape you?
Carlton: We were this unique mix of Caribbean roots, British life, American gospel. That sound became our heartbeat. The Crusade Choir wasn’t just singing; it was family. A whole generation finding our voice after Windrush. Those choirs started something, you still feel their impact today.
Q: You’ve worked behind the scenes for years. What’s that taught you about purpose vs. fame?
Carlton: I was a shy kid. Church taught me humility, but I’ve learned the spotlight’s not evil, it’s just not everyone’s calling. Seen too many gifted people flame out chasing clout. Your purpose isn’t a trend. Stay grounded, know your why, and the right doors will open.
Q: What could churches today learn from the choir movement of the 80s and 90s?
Carlton: We’ve lost That raw, unpolished passion we used to have. Back then, it didn’t matter if you couldn’t hit every note perfectly – when we worshipped, we meant it with everything in us. I remember watching older saints who could barely carry a tune, but when they sang “Amazing Grace,” you felt it in your bones.
That’s what David showed us when he danced before the Lord – it’s not about looking good, it’s about being real before God. Our choirs weren’t professional singers, but my goodness, we worshipped. That’s what today’s church needs to remember – whether you’ve got a full band or just someone banging on a tambourine, keep it real. God’s not impressed by our performance; He sees our hearts.
Q: How did you end up working behind the scenes at the Olympics?
Carlton: I was minding my own business, helping Black entrepreneurs navigate contracts and regulations, when suddenly London won the bid. Next thing I know, I’m explaining to aJamaican grandmother making patties that yes, her recipe was amazing, but no, the Olympics needed her kitchen to pass 15 different safety checks!
But here’s the beautiful thing – watching these small business owners rise to the challenge. That electrician from Brixton? Ended up wiring half the athlete’s village. The cleaner from Peckham? Her team maintained three competition venues. We weren’t just spectators – we were part of history. And the friendships from that time? Still going strong today.
Q: When you received your cancer diagnosis, what was that moment like?
Carlton: You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes? A cancer diagnosis, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, blood cancer with no easy target for treatment. I’d never been hospitalized before. Never smoked, never drank. It was a numbing reality check. It was like God pressed pause on my life.
In that silence, everything got painfully clear. All those things I thought were important? They weren’t. The meetings, the hustle, the “I’ll get to it later”… none of it mattered. What remained was faith, family, and this overwhelming sense that every single day is a gift we don’t deserve.
Cancer teaches you what really matters – not in a theoretical way, but in your bones. And if I’m honest? As hard as that season was, I wouldn’t trade that clarity for anything. My 93-year-old mother called with a word from God: “He said He will heal you.” That promise became my anchor through chemotherapy. Doctors couldn’t explain how I was still functioning, but God’s word sustained me.”
Today, on the other side of healing, Carlton is rebuilding physically, spiritually, and with a new mission.
Q: What would you say to someone healthy right now about making the most of their time?
Carlton: Don’t wait for a wake-up call. A long life is still a blink compared to eternity, so tend to your soul like you do your body. Build a real relationship with God, one that’s yours. Not just what you’ve heard from pulpits or podcasts, but what you’ve lived and learned. Because when storms come (and they will), it won’t be your pastor’s faith or your parents’ prayers that hold you up. It’ll be your own history with Him. That’s the anchor no crisis can shake.
ABOUT LIFELESSONS2022
Carlton’s journey through cancer birthed a passion: giving others the hope he once needed. He launched Life Lessons, a YouTube channel and upcoming podcast, documenting raw,unfiltered stories of healing and resilience.“So many people face battles alone,“ he says. I want them to know, you’re not forgotten. God sees you.”
THE POWER OF QUIET INFLUENCE
As we close, Carlton leaves us with this: “Real influence doesn’t always shout. It serves. It prays. It shows up. And sometimes, the most powerful legacies are built in quiet places.”
So today, if there’s someone who’s been your everyday hero, who’s loved, supported, or prayed for you without applause, call them. Celebrate them. Because the world may never know their name, but heaven does.
Connect with Carlton Smith on YouTube:[@LifeLessons2022](https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessons2022) Let your life be a lesson one that points others to hope. You can connect with us via email, share a story of an unsung hero you would want us to spotlight. Email: info@heartsonglive.co.uk
For more insights, follow Heartsong Live Radio on
Visit our website
This article is a curated excerpt from an interview featured on Throwback Thursday with Eloho, aired on HeartSongLive radio.
