The Kingdom Choir have gone from strength-to-strength after coming to global attention with their inspirational performance at the Royal Wedding in 2018 in front of an audience of two billion people. Since then, The Kingdom Choir have sold-out shows all over the world, including a prestigious performance at the Royal Albert Hall; hit the Top 20 of the UK Official Albums Chart with their debut album ‘Stand By Me’, which also received Breakthrough certification from the BRITs/BPI in recognition of 30,000+ sales from a new artist; and enjoyed a spell on Radio 2’s A-list with their first original song ‘Real Love’.

Now The Kingdom Choir get straight to the heart of the Christmas spirit as they today release their second original song, ‘Together Again’, which features the soul singer-songwriter Jake Isaac. Released alongside an official video, ‘Together Again’ will be followed by The Kingdom Choir’s new EP of the same title, which is out on November 26th via AWAL.

In addition, The Kingdom Choir also announce details of a major headline show at London’s historic Roundhouse on January 22nd. The show is part of the renowned venue’s In The Round Festival. In The Round radically transforms the unique architecture of the Roundhouse’s main space so that you’re never far from the artist. The space is reconfigured to create an all-seated intimate experience that brings you closer to the music. Tickets are available.

‘Together Again’ is a powerfully poignant celebration of the anticipation of finally being reunited with the people that matter to us this Christmas. Backed by the unadorned elegance of plaintive piano and stirring strings, the song’s stripped back production allows the emotion of its lyrics to proudly take centre-stage. Jake Isaac’s opening words set the tone for a song which celebrates unity - whether that’s with family, friends, or the collective strength that comes with being part of a community. It’s then elevated by the celestial harmonies of The Kingdom Choir, as their timeless vocal majesty brings the song’s message home. 

‘Together Again’ was written by the choir’s founder, conductor and “Britain’s Godmother of Gospel” Karen Gibson MBE alongside long-term choir member Sharlene Monique and featured artist Jake Isaac.

Karen Gibson says, “I clearly remember the day that Christmas was cancelled last year. My family had just decided what dish each member was going to bring and then came the announcement of another lockdown. We felt like Christmas had been ripped from under our feet. This year, I'm grateful that we can celebrate what we still have and that time spent with family and friends will make this an extra special Christmas.”

Jake Isaac adds, “The Kingdom Choir are like family to me, so it was an absolute honour and pleasure when they reached out and asked if I was up for writing a song with them. This one feels special, and I really hope it brings strength, particularly to all of those who have lost someone over the past 18 months, and to those who didn't get to enjoy Christmas together last year.”

‘Together Again’ is released alongside a video which beautifully captures the song’s message of unity. It shows a variety of people battling everyday struggles - illness, setbacks, isolation - but shows the sheer joy that comes when they’re reunited with loved ones. The visual’s finale is further powered by a heartening performance from The Kingdom Choir.

‘Together Again’ is the title track to their new five-track EP. While the single is emotionally charged, the rest of the EP finds The Kingdom Choir celebrating the seasonal festivities in their own uniquely uplifting style. If the ‘Together Again’ song welcomes being back with our loved ones this Christmas, the choir’s takes on a selection of festive favourites provides the perfect soundtrack as the celebrations unfold.

Karen Gibson MBE founded The Kingdom Choir in 1994. The London-based collective draws upon various Christian traditions, and creates a life-affirming sound full of warmth, energy and enthusiasm that aptly represents their community.

Prior to their performance at the Royal Wedding, the biggest audience that The Kingdom Choir had performed to was just 600 people. But encapsulating the atmosphere of the day took their local community to a worldwide audience. Suddenly word of their talents took them seemingly everywhere, from British Summer Time in Hyde Park as guests to Barbara Streisand to headlining a sold-out Hollywood Bowl, via major festivals such as Latitude, Cornbury and Hay. They have also performed at iconic sporting events, notably at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Sydney and during the ceremonies ahead of the Major League Baseball clash between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees in London.

Managed by Prof Jonathan Shalit OBE and signed to AWAL, The Kingdom Choir’s Top 20 debut album ‘Stand By Me’ opened with their music-loved rendition of the Ben E. King classic. The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Song Chart, while their performance of the song from the Royal Wedding has transcended its initial viral status to become an evergreen favourite, and has now amassed over 19 million views on YouTube. 

Widely recognised as one of the world’s best gospel music directors. Karen Gibson has conducted some of the most prestigious, large-scale choirs across the UK and into Japan, Rwanda, Nigeria, Guyana and the USA. Her choirs are regular finalists or winners of prestigious competitions including BBC Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of The Year.

Featured artist and fellow Londoner Jake Isaac started playing various instruments in his childhood. By his late teens, he was already sufficiently accomplished to work as a session musician for artists including Duffy and Gabrielle. His gift for songwriting allowed his own artist career to flourish, first signing with Sir Elton John’s Rocket Music label and collaborating with and/or supporting the likes of Sting, Ella Eyre and Paloma Faith. His second album ‘Honesty’ was released earlier this year, and he has just completed a UK tour that ended with a sold-out London show at Lafayette.

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Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.