The Kingdom Choir have made their return with a brand new single ‘Not Giving Up’. Founded in 1994 by Karen Gibson MBE (the Godmother of Gospel), The Kingdom Choir have continued to win hearts since their unforgettable performance at the 2018 Royal Wedding in front of a global televised audience of 2 billion people. This boost of exposure has since given them a range of opportunities and exposure they could only have dreamt of. 

With their new single just released, it seemed like a great time to ask Karen Gibson some further questions about their journey so far.

Your latest single ‘Not Giving Up’ has just been released. How has the reception and feedback been so far?

We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the response to Not Giving Up. I say humbled because of the personal messages that have been sent through to us. People have shared that this song arrived at a time when they were facing something that could have broken them but instead it gave them strength, encouraged them and lifted their spirits. 

Is the message on ‘Not Giving Up’ about The Kingdom Choir as a group? It definitely sounds a hopeful and defiant anthem. 

It definitely rings true with us as a choir. We are a testimony of keeping going when sometimes it looks like the easiest thing would be to call it a day. But this song is much bigger than just us. We want it to stir something in peoples’ hearts around the world so that they feel hopeful and believe that tomorrow will bring a brighter day. Imagine the positivity that would be released when hundreds  or thousands of people sing ‘I won't give up’ in one voice. That’s powerful!  

With being a choir, there’s obviously a large group of you involved. Does it become quite a task getting you all together at once for tours and shows? 

We have a very experienced and professional support team around us that manages the logistics of our national and international events. Also, because we are very flexible we don’t always travel as a group of 40 singers and often do events with an average of 12 singers. 

I normally ask artists what their standout show or performance is, but since you played The Royal Wedding for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, I’m sure that takes some beating. How did the whole thing go? Did you get to rub shoulders with the royals after?  

The day was magical and unforgettable. It was beautiful and full of contrast, for example the serenity of the hushed congregation inside St George’s Chapel compared to the joy and carnival atmosphere of the crowds outside. On the day of the wedding itself we didn’t get the opportunity to mix with the guests as we were whisked away straight after the ceremony for press conferences. However, I do remember very clearly that Tom Hardy kissed me on my cheek- something I will treasure forever! Since that time we met Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games in Sydney and I was fortunate to have the Princess Royal present my MBE at Windsor Castle.

With an audience of 2 billion, The Royal Wedding performance must have generated a lot of exposure for the choir. What opportunities have you had since?

We feel so blessed. We have toured North America. We have sung at the Hollywood Bowl and shared the stage with Barbara Streisand. We sang at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia and travelled to Dubai and Monaco to name a few places. 

How does the songwriting process work with you guys? Do certain members chip in with various ideas etc?

I usually work with a small group of songwriters. We will go away for the day and try to put words to the things that are on our heart. Our hope is always that what we create will resonate with people and will bring a message of hope and inspiration.

Does The Kingdom Choir have influences? A bit like singers and bands do.

Yes we have a number of influences from the gospel greats such as Edwin Hawkins, Andrae Crouch, Richard, Smallwood, Kirk Franklin to more contemporary artists such as Maverick City and PJ Morton.

Are there any other artists or groups you would like to team up or collaborate with?

We have done some great collaborations over the years, but there are so many artists that we respect and admire and would love to work with in the future.

Is there a venue that The Kingdom Choir likes performing at the most?

We have been very blessed to sing at a variety of iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. We love travelling to new countries and meeting new people who want to clap their hands, stamp their feet and even sing along to a familiar tune. We just love performing and so will do and can do that anywhere in the world. 

Are there any projects in the pipeline?

Yes we have been writing new music and have a number of really great tracks. We are very proud of what we have produced and are excited to share them with you in the future. 

Have you got a message for your fans and followers?

Our new track Not Giving Up says it all -  Hang in there. Don’t give up. You’re not alone. Better days are coming.

Thanks again The Kingdom Choir - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

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