Louder Than The Music

The MOBO Awards return in 2020 after a two-year break, and the nominations for this year's awards have been announced this week. The UK's biggest celebration of Black music and culture will take place on 9 December 2020, live-streamed for the very first time on YouTube at 7.00PM GMT and broadcast on BBC One at 10.45PM GMT.

In the Best Gospel Act category, the nominations are Calledout Music, Noel Robinson, Guvna B, The Kingdom Choir and Shekinah. When the MOBO Awards were last held in 2017 the winner of the Best Gospel Act was Volney Morgan & New-Ye. The winner of the Best Gospel Act category will be determined by the 2020 MOBO Best Gospel Act Committee.

Louder Than The Music takes a look at each of the nominees...

CalledOut Music



Samuel 'CalledOut Music' Nwachukwu is a music producer, singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from Hampshire England. Growing up in Nigeria, he and his family moved to the UK when he was 12 years old. A devout Christian, Samuel’s diverse music strongly reflects his belief in Jesus, addressing issues people face whilst sharing the good news of the Gospel. Although, he shares an admiration for many Gospel greats such as Fred Hammond & Richard Smallwood, CalledOut Music’s greatest musical influence is Kirk Franklin. 
 He started the Gospel ministry 'Called Out' with the aim to 'get everyone to have the belief or mindset that they are called out for service to God'. Earlier this year CalledOut Music released an album titled 'Portraits'.

Noel Robinson



Relinquishing control and sparking modern-day revival; Influential worship pioneer and songwriter, Noel Robinson, released his latest album 'I Surrender' in 2019. For over 20 years, Noel Robinson has invested into the hearts of worshippers everywhere. Born in London, Noel’s consistent commitment to worship in the UK has lead this established artist to become known as one of the early pioneers of today’s British Gospel community.

Guvna B



Newham's own double-MOBO winning rap icon Guvna B released his new album 'everywhere + nowhere' this year. The UK scene legend calls on a serious constellation of stars and rising heat for this project, including recent J Hus producer TSB, legendary icon Wretch 32 and London jazz crew Ezra Collective.

The Kingdom Choir



The choir was founded in 1994 in London by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson. The group of singers from in and around London draw from various Christian traditions and are dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share through their warm energy and enthusiastic performance. Prior to performing in front of nearly 2 billion people at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the largest audience The Kingdom Choir had performed to was just 200 people. In 2020 they released their latest single 'Real Love'.

Shekinah



Consisting of Jacqui, Lisa, and Heavilyn, Shekinah are a vocal trio based in London. Serving under the leadership of Bishop Francis Sarpong of Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church, Shekinah have gained a name as a a trio that can provide infectious and soothing sounds with their impeccable vocal ability. Having provided backing vocals for some heavyweights within the industry, the three ladies decided it was time to take a further step in their artistry. Since doing so, they have been fast rising in the UK, and been capturing the attention of people around the world also. Their debut release "Change Me" set the tone for what is set to be an amazing musical journey, providing songs with messages of God's power, love, and peace but also showcasing of a unique vocal cohesion. Earlier this year they released their single 'On Top Of The World' featuring fellow MOBO nominee Guvna B.