THE London Community Gospel Choir will be joined by some very special guests as they return to the Royal Albert Hall for their annual Christmas show this week.

‘Tis the season for a spectacular celebration of music, faith, and joy as The London Community Gospel Choir takes center stage at the iconic Royal Albert Hall for their annual Christmas extravaganza.

This Tuesday promises an unforgettable festive soirée, with the renowned choir joined by a constellation of musical luminaries. Brace yourself for an evening featuring the soulful Beverley Knight, the melodious singer-songwriter Dani Miché, the smooth R&B and jazz vibes of Tony Momrelle, and the dynamic energy of singer, musician, and producer JJ Rosa.

Since their formation in 1982, the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) has been a beacon of unity, love and peace and sharing there faith for the creator through the power of music and faith. Pioneering the sounds of British gospel music, the choir skyrocketed to fame, earning a well-deserved reputation as Europe’s leading gospel brand and one of the most sought-after choirs across the global stage.

With a rich history spanning 41 years, LCGC has graced some of the UK’s most prestigious events and venues, including the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, the legendary Glastonbury Festival, the historic Live 8, and the impactful World Aids Festival. Notably, they hold a Guinness World Record for assembling the largest Mass Gospel Choir, a testament to their global influence.

Their impressive resume includes collaborations with music legends such as Tom Jones, Elton John, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Adele, Blur, The 1975, and the incomparable Mariah Carey, among a host of others.

Hosted by the delightful Smooth Radio personality, Angie Greaves, the show promises an enchanting blend of uplifting festive tunes and timeless gospel classics. Get ready to be transported into a realm where the spirit of Christmas resonates through soul-stirring melodies and harmonies, courtesy of the London Community Gospel Choir and their illustrious guests. This Christmas, let the Royal Albert Hall be the backdrop to your unforgettable musical journey.

Leonn Meade, Creative and Musical Director of London Community Gospel Choir says

“We’re very much about bringing people together, celebrating life, hope and love in such an incredible atmosphere”

The successful RnB boy band Boyz II Men will return to the UK next Spring for three sensational live shows.

The multi-platinum selling and multi-Grammy award-winning Boyz II Men are most known for there hit song “End of the Road” in 1992, reached the top of charts worldwide. “End of the Road” would set a new record for longevity, staying at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for thirteen weeks, breaking the decades-old record held by Elvis Presley.

The soulful journey continues on Monday, April 21, at the Manchester BEC Arena, and reaches its peak on Thursday, April 24, at the Birmingham Academy. As the group expresses their excitement about the upcoming tour, they share,

“We get so excited going on the road and we love performing for our fans, but coming to the UK is extra special to us. The vibe of British fans is really something else; we can’t wait to come back.”

Celebrities and campaigners rally against the Prime ministers Refugee plan.

Bridgerton’s Martins Imhangbe onscreen role as Will Mondrich in the 2020 Netflix series Bridgerton. The character he played is based on the real-life boxer, Bill Richmond. Imhangbe trained for the role with Cuong Hua at The Commando Temple in Deptford. Martin the Bridgeton star and Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon, along with other prominent figures, have signed an open letter opposing the UK government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a parliamentary challenge but seeks to revive the asylum-seeker plan rejected by the Supreme Court last month. Left-wing MPs and celebrities, including Sophie Okendo, Gillian Slovo, and Gary Lineker, have joined the call to scrap the deal with Rwanda. The policy, originally proposed by ex-Home Secretary Priti Patel, aimed to detain refugees for up to 28 days without bail, drawing criticism for violating human rights. The charity “Together with Refugees” published the open letter, urging politicians to devise a fair strategy for refugees and criticizing the government’s handling as “uncaring, chaotic, and costly.” Lineker, a vocal critic, was briefly ousted by the BBC for comparing rhetoric to 1930s Germany.

The charity calls for better protection, adherence to international law for asylum claims, and a swift process for asylum applications.

Legendary dub poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah following has passed at aged 65.

TRIBUTES have poured in for the legendary dub poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah following his passing aged 65.

Tributes are flooding in for the Legendary dub poet and writer, Benjamin Zephaniah, who passed away.

The Birmingham born creative was a member of the Windrush generation with Barbadian mother and Jamaican father, and was renowned for popularising his poetic prose that challenged governments and pushed new ways of political thinking.

Benjamin grew up in Handsworth in the 60s and 70s, just a few years shy of racial uprisings from the Black community that gripped the West Midlands region and other cities around the UK.

After moving to London at the age of 22, he published his first book Pen Rhythm. Benjamin was lauded for bringing dub poetry, a Jamaican-inspired form of poetry, to the British mainstream.

bringing dub poetry, a Jamaican-inspired form blending spoken word with reggae rhythms, into the British mainstream. His sad passing was announced on social media just eight weeks ago after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Aston Villa, the football club Zephaniah passionately supported throughout his life, joined in paying homage, stating, “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened.” Lord Simon Woolley of Cambridge University acknowledged Zephaniah’s profound impact on the Black community and wider society, describing him as a “colossus” and a storyteller of hope and resilience.

Benjamin, who was a life-long Aston Villa supporter, had his team also pay tribute to him.

In a statement, the club said: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by news of the passing of legendary writer and poet, Benjamin Zephaniah. Named as one of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers in 2008, Benjamin was a lifelong Aston Villa fan and had served as an ambassador for the Aston Villa Foundation.

“The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this time.”

Rapper Nines has been charged with drug offences after he was arrested at Heathrow Airport.

Harry Styles shaves head and fans in denial about Harry Style’s shaved head .

Harry Styles has made a bold move by shaving his head, leaving fans in disbelief about the drastic change. The revelation came through Pleasing, Styles’ beauty and apparel line, which posted a photo on Instagram showcasing the singer with his new buzz cut.

The caption of the photo, dated November 15, reads, “Our Founder, Harry Styles, toasts the launch of Pleasing Fragrance with friends in London. November, 2023,” accompanied by a photo credit to Styles’ frequent photographer, Lloyd Wakefield.

In the image, Styles, sporting his freshly shorn look, wears a chocolate-brown sweater adorned with two white kissing swans. According to Harry Styles Daily, the Pleasing sweater will be available for purchase starting December

Prior to the official Pleasing reveal, TMZ had shared a fan-shot video on November 9, capturing Styles’ new hairstyle as he and rumoured girlfriend Taylor Russell attended a U2 concert at the recently opened Las Vegas Sphere. Fan reactions varied, with some expressing surprise and humour.

This isn’t the first time Styles has undergone a significant haircut transformation. From his shaggy, side-swept One Direction days to the long locks of his solo era and the well-manicured bouffant in recent years, Styles has consistently kept fans guessing. His most recent unexpected appearance was at a Madison Square Garden, where he dressed as Judy Garland’s iconic character from “The Wizard of Oz” for Halloween.

Dressed in a blue and white outfit reminiscent of Dorothy’s attire, Styles completed the look with rosy red cheeks, red tights, and ruby red Gucci slippers. This eccentric choice follows a pattern in Styles’ fashion evolution, as he has previously dressed as a ballerina he has also squeezed into a vintage-inspired corset with a pair of cream tights. While some fans applaud his fearless approach to fashion, critics argue that his constant need for shock value, including unconventional outfit choices, may overshadow his musical talent.

The concern among skeptics is that the emphasis on attention-grabbing antics could lead to a shift in the music industry, where artists may feel compelled to prioritize sensational visual stunts over their musical abilities. There’s a fear that artists may be pressured to become more like show monkeys in elaborate outfits rather than being recognized for their genuine musical talent. Critics worry that this trend could negatively impact the industry’s focus on artistic merit, potentially leading to a climate where musicians are judged more for their appearances than their musical contributions.

While this buzz cut was a shock, it seems Styles has once again surprised fans with his latest hair style.

The question on everyone’s mind now is, what will Harry do next to continue shocking his fans?

ITV’s new drama Three Little Birds is set to broadcast soon on the channel and it is written by comedian Lenny Henry.

ITV’s highly anticipated new drama, “Three Little Birds,” is gearing up for its premiere, and it’s not just another show, it’s a captivating tale written by the comedic genius Lenny Henry himself.

Featuring a stellar cast including Rochelle Neil, Saffron Coomber, and Yazmin Belo, the series draws inspiration from the vivid narratives of Henry’s mother and aunt, recounting their journey to Britain in the 1950s.

The storyline unfolds with Leah (Neil) and her sister Chantrelle (Coomber) embarking on a compelling mission—to accompany their friend Hosanna (Belo) from Jamaica to Britain. The ultimate goal? To potentially unite her with their brother Aston in holy matrimony.

Lenny Henry the British actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, producer and writer sheds light on the essence of the show, stating, “It’s about overcoming, it’s about women and feminism. They literally came to this country, worked tirelessly, brought their families over, and the show encapsulates that. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—joyful, poignant, and visually stunning.”

The series, produced by the dynamic duo of Henry and Russell T Davies, promises six episodes packed with drama, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. Brace yourselves for the riveting tales of “Three Little Birds” as they unfold on ITV1

Rush Theatre Company is set to dazzle audiences with “Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey” on October 14th at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley Park.

Transport yourself 75 years back when the Windrush pioneers arrived in England, carrying dreams and aspirations for a brighter future. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those brave souls who embarked on that transformative journey, celebrating the incredible accomplishments of the past seven and a half decades.

The heart and soul of RUSH Theatre Company’s electrifying musical mission is to to offer audiences an immersive and educational journey. Through a dynamic blend of visual arts and music from around the globe, RUSH aims to create inclusive, exhilarating, and exceptional theatrical experiences. The production also features a Windrush Exhibition, “The Picture of Us Here” and “The Audacity of Hope Exhibition.”

Having wowed audiences at renowned venues such as The Lowry Theatre in Manchester, Ulverston’s The Coro, Liverpool Playhouse, Derby Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse, The Hawth, York Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand, Hackney Empire, The Grove Theatre Dunstable, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, Watford Palace, Doncaster CAST, and Croydon Fairfield Halls, RUSH is now ready to mesmerize at The Troubadour Theatre.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary journey. Grab your tickets now and immerse yourself in to “Rush: A Joyous Jamaican Journey” at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on October 14th.

RUSH and get your tickets before they’re gone! www.windrushlegacy.com or www.troubadourtheatres.com.

Brenda Edwards will join the creative team alongside Paul Kerryson, to direct a new production of Hairspray which will embark on a major national UK and Ireland tour next year. 

Brenda Edwards is set to co-direct a fresh take on the beloved musical Hairspray, headlining a UK and Ireland tour in the coming year. Edwards, renowned for her breakout on The X-Factor in 2005 and subsequent ventures in television, is no stranger to the Hairspray stage, having played the iconic role of “Motormouth” Maybelle in three previous tours.

Motormouth Maybelle, a pivotal character in Hairspray, is an R&B record producer and the mother of Seaweed and Little Inez. The character has been notably portrayed by Queen Latifah in the 2007 film adaptation.

Her journey from the spotlight to behind the scenes marks an exciting directorial debut alongside Paul Kerryson. Edwards, who recently dazzled in We Will Rock You at London Coliseum, she expressed her enthusiasm for this new role, saying, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be invited by the producers to make my directorial debut on the show.”

Hairspray, originally a 1988 film by John Waters, transformed into a Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The production, opening to acclaim on Broadway in 2002, later triumphed in London’s Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007, garnering four Laurence Olivier Awards.

Mark Shaiman, the composer and co-lyricist, expressed his excitement about Brenda Edwards co-directing the upcoming tour, highlighting her integral role in the Hairspray family since 2015.

For aspiring talents, open auditions are on the horizon in November 2023. More details can be found on the official website: www.hairsprayuktour.com. Get ready for a toe-tapping journey with Hairspray’s contagious rhythm hitting cities across the UK and Ireland!