Windrush Generations Singing Our Story From The Front Room To The Palace
Written by Heartsong Live on 5th November 2018
CELEBRITIES JOIN QUEST TO REVEAL UNTOLD WINDRUSH STORY FROM THE FRONT ROOM TO THE PALACE
Leading children of the Windrush generation, Queen of Black Comedy Angie Le Mar, BBC Presenters Carrie & David Grant, RnB/Soul Singer Ruby Turner MBE, are spokespersons to talk about a special event due to take place on Saturday 24th November 2018 aimed at highlighting the greatest untold legacies of the Windrush – the Black Church and its music.
Streaming simultaneously from three cities (London, Birmingham and Manchester) on that day to a global audience Singing Our Story: Windrush generations from the front room to the palace will expose the Windrush generation’s most established institution – the British black churches – telling the story of the groundswell of music, faith and power which burst through the barriers of ignorance and prejudice, impacting the very heart of British society.
Angie Le Mar child of a church deacon and evangelist went on to be Britain’s first Black performer to appear at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre and had the first ever sell-out show by a female black comedian in London’s West End
Carrie and David Grant, long-standing celebrity singing coaches, winners of the first MOBO Awards Gospel Category. David Grant is also one half of 80’s Brit-funk pop duo, Lynx
Ruby Turner, MBE Gospel singer turned a living legend of British Blues and Soul currently on tour dates throughout the UK
Now the public is invited to participate and experience ‘the birthplace of the sound of British Gospel’ inside three of Britain’s legacy black churches in an exciting evening of celebration, gathering people across three cities to share their journey; the people, the music, the songs!
Angie Le Mar states “The church is one of the most influential organisations within the black community. I’m glad to be part of an event which celebrates its and highlights the impact it’s had on the lives of the Windrush Generation and wider society.” Ruby Turner added, “This is creative excellence at the grass-roots upwards. The stories from the Windrush generation will be I’m sure, informative, uplifting and give the new generation a sense of pride and respect, for the achievements of people who have come through so much to make a good honest and decent life, for themselves in the United Kingdom. Many I know have found strength in their faith and fellowship in their churches.”
Carrie & David Grant both come at the event from a different perspective of experience that shows the inclusive and empowering dynamics of its popular forms. Carrie and David “We’re so glad of this chance to demonstrate and celebrate the power of this (British Gospel) music: show its strength, its excellence and those whose mastery has brought it to this place. It’s the character of all the people that makes this unique. Music is the golden thread that weaves and holds it all together.”
Others, confirmed and performing include Noel Robinson, Lurine Cato, London Adventist Chorale, Paul Lee, Vade, Black Voice, Nu Colours, Isaiah Raymond-Dyer, Junior Robinson, The Doyley Brothers, Dawn Thomas, LCGC Ensemble, Howard & Gemma Francis with The BIG Sing Choir, Marcia McPherson & FaithWorks Choir, Volney Morgan and New Ye, Colin Anderson & The B-Positive Choir.