Black Gospel Music in Britain

This book fills a gap in religious studies literature by providing a historical study of Black gospel music in Britain. While Black gospel music is a global phenomenon that evolved in many places, including the Caribbean, America and Europe, many still look to America for an understanding of its origin. Dulcie Dixon McKenzie challenges this approach, asserting that there is no universal, ‘one-size-fits-all’ historical account of Black gospel music. Instead, McKenzie offers an alternative to the American-dominated discourse, presenting Black gospel music as a tradition that was birthed in the churches founded by African Caribbean migrants during the post-war years in Britain. This book is structured around three main themes—context, culture and conservation—and features first-hand accounts from founding members of African Caribbean Pentecostalism, as well as from selected pioneers of singing and music within the various historic congregations. It explores topics such as the arrival and settlement of African Caribbean ancestors in Britain, the exporting of African Caribbean religious beliefs and practices, the growth of African Caribbean Pentecostal churches in Britain, and illustrations of a distinctive African Caribbean Pentecostal style of congregational worship.