3 Mar 2025
As the Brit Awards 2025 unfolded with its spectacular showcase of talent and artistry, it became clear that the essence of pop culture, particularly within the UK's vibrant music scene, is deeply intertwined with Black culture. At the heart of this cultural tapestry is Black music, where gospel music stands not just as a genre but as a foundational pillar influencing and inspiring across spectrums. This year's Brit Awards served as a testament to this profound influence, highlighting how gospel music's legacy pulsates through the veins of contemporary music landscapes.
Premier Gospel believes that pop culture drives culture. At the heart of pop culture is Black culture. At the heart of Black culture is black music. At the heart of Black music is Gospel music. At the heart of Gospel… is Premier Gospel. This statement resonates when we look at the array of creatives, musicians, singers, and aficionados who graced the Brit Awards 2025, many of whom draw their roots from gospel music.
Stormzy, an artist who has in recent years been more vocal about his faith through his music, took to the stage with a reading from the Psalms. This moment underscored not just his personal connection to faith but also highlighted how gospel influences seep into mainstream platforms, offering depth and soul-stirring authenticity that captivates audiences far beyond traditional gospel listeners.
View this post on Instagram
It wasn’t just Stormzy who bought God to the glitzy ceremony - Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso also thanks God by saying: “first and foremost I’d like to thank my lord and saviour Jesus Christ”, before talking about why it’s important to invest musically in young people.
Aside from those on stage to accept awards, Christians were littered throughout the night with Keisha Buchanan, frontwoman of the iconic group Sugababes and a well-known lover of gospel music, presenting the Best Pop Act award. Her presence at the awards symbolizes how artists influenced by gospel music are not just participants in pop culture but are shaping its direction and essence.
Jeremiah Asiamah, a radio DJ known for his vibrant personality and deep love for both Christian and gospel music, was among many Christians and gospel enthusiasts who lit up both the stage and red carpet. Their participation highlights how individuals rooted in gospel are integral to celebrating and advancing UK's diverse musical heritage.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), responsible for putting on both the Brit Awards and Mercury Awards, is led by Yolanda Brown – a Premier Gospel Award winner, award-winning saxophonist, and broadcaster. Yolanda’s leadership role shows how individuals steeped in gospel music's rich traditions are pivotal in steering conversations around music and culture in significant platforms.
These moments from the Brit Awards 2025 underscore a crucial narrative: gospel music is not just a genre confined to church halls or religious gatherings; it's a dynamic force that has profoundly shaped pop culture. The creatives behind these celebrated acts bring with them an ethos rooted in gospel – one that values authenticity, community upliftment, resilience through faith, and an undying commitment to artistic excellence.
As we reflect on this year’s Brit Awards, it becomes evident that while gospel music might not be centre stage in every performance or acceptance speech explicitly, its influence permeates through the works of countless artists shaping UK's pop culture landscape. It serves as an engine driving innovation, creativity, and soulful expression within Britain's musical tapestry.
This connection between gospel and contemporary British music highlights an essential truth: at its core, much of today's most compelling artistry draws strength from traditions that celebrate spiritual depth alongside musical innovation. The Brit Awards 2025 was more than just a ceremony; it was a vibrant mosaic where different cultures converge – with gospel music providing both foundation stones and inspirational peaks.
